LIBRARY OF C ONGRESS, 
ch^pFM^9.. 

Shelf. tC/d''^- 

UNITED STATES OF AMERIOA. 



PROCKEOINGS 



Unveiliiie of the Soldiers' Monument 



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1 



SITE OF FORT STEPHENSON, 



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KREMONX, OHIO. A^JLji 



ORATION BY GEN. J. D. COX. 
POEM BY CAPT. ANDREW C. KEMPER. 
HISTORICAL ADDRESS BY CAPT. J. M. LEMMOK 



WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE HEROIC DEFENCE OF THE FORT BV." 
MAJ. GEO. CROGHAN, AUGUST 2, 1813; ALSO BIOGRAPHICAL 
SKETCHES AND MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 



FREMONT, O.: 

THE DEMOCRATIC MESSENGER, 
1885. 



CONTKNTS. 



INTRODUCTORY, 5 

ADDRESS, ••....... 16 

General R. P. Bi:(klani). 

REMARKS, 18 

Ctpneral R. H. Hayes. 

HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 2:', 

Captain John M. Lemmon. 

POEM— FORT STEPHENSON, 37 

Captain Andrew C. Kemper. 

ADDRESS BY THE ORATOR OF THE DAY, . .41 

General Jacob D. Cox, 

SPEECH P:S and letters, 58 

Invited (iuE.STs. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ...... 85 

HISTORICAL NOTES, 106 

miscellaneous, 115 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

The Monument, . . ' . . . . Frontispiece. 

Ma.jor George Crohhan, ...... 5 

Fort Stephen.son Park, . . . . . . .18 

Medals Awarded by Congress, • . . . . .58 

General James Birdseye McPherson, . . .85 

Sergeant William Gaines, ...... 103 

Plan of Fort Stephenson; ...... 108 



THE following account of the monument and of its dedication is 
com[)iled fi'oni the Journal and the Memmger of Fremont, the 
Leader and the Plata Dealer of Cleveland, and from the Commercial- 
lelegram and the Blade of Toledo. 

The history of the battle of Fort Stephenson is from official reports, 
British and American. 

The committee are specially indebted to the Stenographer, Mr. 
Jacob Burgner, for his full and accurate reports. 



"■'■■"*-" ■'^"-^' •-"'=-'■■ ' W'-JIW 







///. 



,-AV. t'J. 



THE MONUMENT. 



IN 1881 and 1882, the subject of erecting at Fremont, Ohio, a suit- 
able monument to the memory of the heroic soldier dead of 
Sandusky County began to take shape, and one of the first steps was 
to secure the passage of a bill through the State Legislature authorizing 
the submission of the subject to the voters of the county for their 
approval. This was accordingly done in October, 1882, the vote stand- 
ing 3,784 for and 1,462 against, the question carrying by the hand- 
some majority of 2,322. The Sandusky County Soldiers' Monumental 
Association was then incorporated, composed of ex-President R. B 
Hayes, General R. P. Buckland, Colonel William E. Haynes, Captain 
John M. Leramon, Colonel J. H. Rhodes, Hon. John B. Rice, and 
Captain M. E. Tyler. In pursuance of law the County Commissioners 
transferred the duty of erecting the monument to this association, and 
in 1884, after the levy of the tax had been made, they advertised for 
plans. They accepted those of the New England Granite Works, of 
Hartford, Connecticut, and entered into a contract with the works for 
the monument to be completed before the 15th of July, this year. 

The site selected for the monument is the beautiful Fort Steph- 
enson Park in the center of the city, the park comprising the place 
upon which the battle of Fort Stephenson was fought August 2, 1813, 
when Major George Croghan defeated a large force of British and 
Indians under Proctor and Tecumseh. This site was purchased several 
years ago and beautified by grading, planting of trees, and placing a 
substantial stone wall around the whole square. On the northeast cor- 
ner is situated the city building, which was dedicated in 1877, at the 
time of the reunion of General Hayes' regiment. A little west of the 
center is situated Birchard Library, a gift of our late honored citizen, 
Sardis Birchard, uncle of General Hayes. This library is a very fine 
one, and, aside from the large catalogue of books, contains hundreds of 
valuable curiosities and relics. The monument is placed on the north 



6 

side of the i>:irk, facing Croglian street, and nearly in front of the 
Library. A little west of the center a beautiful flag staff, over 100 
feet high, has been erected to take the place of the one recently blown 
down. 

The nionunient cost $7,000. Excepting the statue, it is of (^uincy 
granite; the statue being blue Westerly (R. I.) granite. The whole 
structure is lorty-four feet three inches high. The platform is eighteen 
feet square, and on it rests three bases five and one-half feet high, the 
largest being eight teet nine inches square. The die is four feet square. 
On top of that is a cap over which rests the Corinthian column, three 
feet in diameter at the bottom and two feet six inches at the top, 
eighteen feet six inches in length, and fluted. The cap surmounting 
the column is four feet eight inches square, and three feet six inches 
thick. The statue of the soldier is eight feet high including the base. 
The statue represents a soldier at parade rest, and is a very life-like 
representation. It faces north. The polished die on which the column 
stands, bears the following inscriptions : 

On the north side : 

TO JIIM WHO IIATH 

BOKNE THE BATTLE 

AND TO HIS WIDOW AND HIS ORPHANS. 

ERECJTED BY THE PEOPLE OF 

SANDUSKY COUNTY, 1885. 

( )n the east side : 

LIMERTY AND UNION NOW AND KORKVKR, 

ONE AND INSEPARABLE. 

1861 1865. 

<.)n the south side : 

IN MEMORY' OF THE 

VICTORIOUS DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON, 

ON THIS SPOT, 

BY MAJOR (iEORGE CROGHAN AND THE 

BRAVE MEN OF HIS COMMAND, 

AUGUST 2, 1813. 

On the west side is the representation of a G. A. R. badge and 
the following inscription : 



Vacant places at our camp fires, 
Mutely tell of corarades dead. 

Fallen in the line of duty, 

Where the needs of battle led. 



PREPAKIXG FOR THE UNVEILING 

CITI/JCNS MEETING. 

A mooting of the citizens of Fremont ^vas held in the City Hall, 
Friday evening, July 17, 1885, to make arrangements for the occasion. 
INIayor Buckland Avas chosen Chairman and John R. Conklin Secre- 
tary. The following committees were appointed : 

Finance.— Fred Fabing, Frank Heim, L. W. Ward, J. R. Conk- 
lin and J. P. Thompson. The committee is to solicit funds to assist 
the Monumental Association in defraying the expenses of the day. 

i)ecoraf("on.s.- On Front street: E. H. Underhill, D. W. Krebs, 
C. W. Tschumy, Henry Grund. On State street : Adam Hodes, G. F. 
Buchman, Joseph Stuhor. On Croghan street: Rev. Father Bauer, 
H. R. Finefrock, John Hochenadle. On Birchard avenue: I. M.' 
Keeler, J. P. Moore, A. E. Rice. On Main street: C. F. Pohlman, 
Jr, W. W. Ross, G. G. Edgerton. Third ward: Chas. H. Bell,' 
Chas. Thompson, Henry Coonrod, Capt. A. Young. 

Citizens Reception Committee. — Hon. John B. Rice, Chairman; 
I. H. Burgoon, N. C. West, E. F. Dickinson, Dr. 0. E. Phillips, O. A.' 
Roberts, H. R. Shomo, I. E. Amsden, B. Meek, Col. J. R. Bartlett, 
George Kinney. 

Dr. J. B. Rice and Colonel Wm. E. Haynes were appointed a 
committee to request the County Commissioners to put the court house 
park in good condition and to decorate, and to request the Board of 
Education to make an appropriation for decoration. Both boards have 
complied willingly with the request of the committee. 

HEADQUARTERS. 

Monumental Association at the High School building. 
Military and bands at Opera Hall. 

Grand Army Posts and civic societies at the hulls used by the 
Posts and civic societies in this city 

City, village and county officials at City Hall. 

AT THE FRONT. 

The key-note struck by General Sherman in his letter to ex-Presi- 
dent Hayes, which was read by Comrade Hayes at the last meeting of 
Eugene Rawson Post, has been heard and applauded by the soldiers 
and sailors of Sandusky county : " f he defence of Fort Stephenson 



by Croghan and his gallant little band secured to our immediate ances- 
tors the mastery of the Great West. The occasion is worthy a monu- 
ment to the skies." Endorsing the above sentiment of General Sher- 
man, Eugene Rawson Post, No. 32, G. A. R., will take part in the 
unveiling ceremonies of the Soldiers' Monument, August 1st, 1885. 
The headquarters for visiting Posts and comrades will be at the Post 
Halls in Birchard Block. The following committees have been 
appointed, all of whom are members of the Post : 

General Committee — John P. Thompson, Chairman ; Peter Win- 
ters, Israel Walborn, Charles Everett, Andrew Hauck. 

Committee of Reception. — Hon. E. F. Dickinson, Chairman; Col. 
J. R. Bartlett, Dr. Wm. Caldwell, G. W. Petty, P. Beaugrand, 
Captains I. H. Burgoon, L. Dick, Chas. Hampshire, Andrew Kline, 
John Ginther, J. W. Moore, R. B. Dickinson. 

Decorating Committee. — A. E. Oppenheimer, Eugene B. Dwight, 
Wm. Jacobs, Joseph Hunsinger, M. L. Binkley, John Ramsey, Israel 
Walborn. 

Soliciting Committee. — Major Phineas Gilmore, Chairman ; Henry 
Stacey, David Van Doren, Charles Everett, Andrew Hauck, Wm. 
Poorman, John E. Rearick, John L. Greene, John Walker, Charles 
Allman, Reuben Stine, Peter Carnicome, Andrew Kline, Marcus 
Wolfe, Leander Clark, John Carlay, L. H. Curtis, Jacob Geiger, 
Martin Bollinger, Burr Huss, S. B Rathbun, Chap Rathbun, David 
Andrews, Eli Bruner, Martin Hite, Wm. Herbster. 

The members of the various committees will make themselves 
generally useful in looking after the comfort of visiting Posts and com- 
rades. Dinner will be served in the same building, and the Halls and 
buildings will be tastefully decorated. 

By order of the Post, 

A. YOUNG, 
JOHN SCHCEDLER, Post Commander. 

Adjutant. 

Manville Moore Post 525, July 21, 1885. 

The following action was had by the Post : Commander Geo. O. 
Harlan appointed Comrades Jno. G. Nuhfer, Everett A. Bristol, 
Daniel S. Moses, Henry G. Stahl and Conrad Creamer, a committee 
to decorate Post Headquarters, for the approaching unveiling of the 
Soldiers' Monument. 

On motion of Comrade Jno. G Nuhfer, the following were made 
a Committee on Lunch for August 1st, to act with the ladies, viz : 
Comrades Gus. A. Gessner, Thos. F. Heffner, Henry Blosier, Jno. V. 
Beery and Washington Deffenbaugh. 



9 

Manville Moore Post 525, July 28, 1885. 

The following action was taken at this meeting : On motion of 
■Comrade John G. Nuhfer, Adjutant David A. Ranck, Comrades Gus. 
A. Gessner and Chas. H. Thompson, were made a committee to extend 
invitations to G. A. R. Posts adjoining Fremont, to participate in the 
unveiling ceremonies on August 1st. 

Comrade Jno. G. Nuhfer moved the appointment of Comrades 
D. S. Elder, Jno L. Tindall, David A. Ranck, H. B. Smith, A. J. 
Hale, E. A. Bristol, G A. Gessuer, Wm. Deemor, Chas. E. Barnes, 
and Chas. H. Thompson, a Committee on Reception for August 1st. 

Comrade Jno. G. Nuhfer was instructed to procure one hundred 

badges for August 1st. 

GEO. O. HARLA.N, 

Coimnander. 
DAVID A. RANCK, 

Post Adjutant. 

The following circular was issued by the Monumental Association : / 

THE SANDUSKY COUNTY SOLDIERS', MONUMENT, 
FREMONT, OHIO. 

The unveiling of the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monument will take place 
■with appropriate ceremonies on the seventy-second anniversary of the victorious 
•defence of Fort Stephenson, against an attack of British and Indians under 
Proctor and Tecumseh, by Major George Croghan, August 2, 1813. 

The 2d of August this year falls on Sunday and the anniversary of the 
-victory will be celebrated on the spot where the battle was fought in Fort 
Stephenson Park, Fremont, Ohio, on Saturday, the first day of August, 1885. 

All soldiers of the war for the Union, of the Mexican war, and of the war 
of 1812, the county and city officers, all societies, civil, religious and military, 
and all citizens are cordially invited to attend and take part in the procession 
and other exercises. 

The ceremonies in the forenoon will consist of a procession, the unveiling 
of the monument, and the firing of salutes. In the afternoon addresses and a 
poem will be delivered at Court House Square. 

Orator of the Day, 

Maj. Gen. JACOB D. COX. 

Poet, 

Capt. ANDREW C. KEMPER, of Cincinnati. 

Historian, 

Capt. JOHN M. LEMMON, of Clyde. 

Brief addresses are expected from invited guests. 

The funds for the monument were voted by the people of Sandusky County, 



10 

;uul in |iuisiuuice of law tlie County Commissioners transferred the duty of 
erecting it to the Sandnsky County Sohliers' Monumental Association. 

The ceremony of unveiling will be conducted by ( Jeneral Ralph P. Buckland. 

President of the Day, 
Gen. RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 

Grand Marshal, 
Capt. JOPIN L. GREENE. 

Chaplain, 
Key. LYMAN E. PRENTISS. 

County Commissioners, 
BRYAN O'CONNER, SAMUEL BOOR, PETER DARR. 

Monumental Association, 

Gen. R. P. P.uckland, Gen. R. B. Hayes, Col. Wm. E. Haynes, Capt. John M. 

Lemmon, Col. J. H. Rhodes, Hon. John B. Rice and Capt. M. E. Tyler. 

W.NL E. HAYNES, 
Jx'i>Y 4, 1885. Chairman of Execuiirc CoiJimiitce. 

PROGRAMME. 

At an early hour a National salute will be lired from Fort Stephen- 
son Park; other salutes will be fired at proper times during the day by 
Capt. O. J. Hopkins' battery. The grand procession will form at 10 
o'clock a. m., in the following order: 

FIRST DIVISION. 

1. Fire Police. 

2. Sixteenth Regiment Band. 

3. Companies G. Norwalk, Cajit. W. S. Wickham ; D. Fostoria, Capt. G. 

R. .\ylesworth ; B. Sandusky City, Capt. E. B. King and I. Clyde, 
Capt. M. B. Lemmon, under command of Lieut. Col. Keyes. 

4. Monumental Committee and invited guests in carriages. 

5. County and city officials in carriages. 

The first division will form on Main street with right resting on State street. 
Marshal of 1st Division, Capt. C. H. McCLEARY. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

1. Miller's Clyde Band. 

2. Masons. 

3. Odd Fellows. 

4. Knights of Pythias. 

5. Knights of Honor. 

6. German Aid. 

7. St. Ann's Cadets. 

8. St. Ann's T. A. B. Society. 

9. Emerald Beneficial Society. 
lU. All other Beneficial Societies. 

The second division will form on (Harrison St. with right resting on Main St. 
Marshal of 2d Division, Capt. H. G. STAHL. 



11 

THIKI) DIVISION. 

1. National Union Band. 

2. Sons of Veterans. 

3. Soldiers of the Mexican War. 

4. Grand Army Posts in the numerical order of the Posts. 

5. A 11 other Soldiers and Sailors of the war of the rebellion. 
G. Ciiizens. 

The third division will form on Croghan street with right resting on Main street. 
Marshal of 3d Division, Capt. G. F. WILLIAMS. 

THE LINE OF MARCH 

Will be from State to Front street, Front street to Birchard avenue, Birchard 
avenue to Monroe street, Monroe street to Croghan street, Croghan street to Fort 
Stephenson Park, where the following exercises will be held : 

1. Music by National I'nion Band. 

2. Prayer by Rev. Lyman E. Prentiss. 

3. Song. 

4. Address and Unveiling of the Monument by Gen. R. P. Buckland. 

5. Salute by Hopkins' Battery. 

EXERCISES AT COURT HOUSE PARK WILL BEGIN AT 1:30 P. M. 

1. Assembly called to order, with remarks, by the President of the Day, 

Gen. R. B. Hayes. 

2. Prayer by Rev. J. I. Swander. 

3. Song. 

4. Address by Capt. J. M. Lemmon, Historian of the Society. 

5. Music and Song. 

6. Poem by Capt. Andrew C. Kemper. 

7. Music. 

8. Address by Maj. Gen. J. D. Cox, Orator of the Day. 

9. Music and Song. 

10. Addresses by distinguished guests. 

11. Music and Song. 

12. Benediction. 

Headquarters have been established as follows: Monumental Committee 
at High School building, City officers at City Hall, County officers at Court 
House, 16th Regiment at Opera Hall, G. A. R. at Post Halls, other civil societies 
at the various halls of the societies. 

Aids to Grand Marshal : W. P. Haynes, Geo. Buckland. 
Bv order of Committee. 

.1. L. GREENE, 

Grand Marshal. 



12 
THE UNVEILINCx. 

The unveiling ceremonies took place on Saturday, August 1, 1885. 
The morning opened clear and hot, and before noon the mercury was 
soaring in the nineties. At an early hour the people from the country 
commenced gathering in town, and the streets were soon a scene of 
activity and excitement. The incoming trains on all the railroads 
brought hundreds of people. Military companies and bands of music 
marched and counter-marched, and the beating of drums, the tramp 
of feet, the rumble of carriages and the cheers of the people resounded 
on all sides. The guests were met at the depot upon arrival and 
escorted to their various headquarters. The crowd has been variously 
estimated, but we think it is not far out of the way to say that the 
people on the streets of Fremont last Saturday, including our own 
citizens, numbered 15,000. Among the distinguished guests present 
were Senators Sherman and Payne, ex-Governor Chas Foster, Judge 
J. B. Foraker, Gen. Robert P. Kennedy, Major-General J. D. Cox, 
Dr. Andrew C. Kemper, of Cincinnati ; Gen. Beatty, Gen. Gros- 
venor, Capt. Botsford, of Youngstown; Gen. J C. Lee, Gen. M. D. 
Leggett, Hon. W. D. Hill, Gen. J. W. Fuller, Gen Chas. Young, Judge 
Haynes, and Clark Waggoner, of Toledo; Rev. Dr. Bushnell, Hon. 
Dudley Baldwin, Cleveland ; Judge C. P. Wickham, of Norwalk ; 
D. R. Locke, (Nasby); W. W. Armstrong; Gen. J. M. Comly, Hon. 
I. F. Mack, Hon. Orrin Follett, Hon E. B. Sadler, Col. C. M. Keyes, 
of Sandusky; Gen. T. W. Sanderson, Youngstown; Capt. D. M. 
Harkness, Bellevue; Capt. Hopkins, Toledo; Capt. D L. Cochley, 
Shelby; Gen. John S. Casement, Painesville ; Judge Wm. Lang, 
Hon. R. G. Pennington, Tiffin ; James Winans, Toledo ; Rev. Dr. A. 
O. Byers, Columbus; Judge Wm. Caldwell, Gen. Frank Sawyer. 

THE PROCESSION. 

The Lake Shore train from the east, and L. E. & W. from San- 
dusky, and an excursion train from Lima and intermediate points on 
the L. E. & W., arrived at about the same time, shortly after 10 
o'clock. The procession was immediately formed, and skillfully 
managed throughout its entire course by Capt. John L. Greene, the 
Grand Marshal, and his efficient Aids. The line of march was on 
State street from Main to Front, thence to Birchard avenue, west on 
that street to Monroe, across to Croghan and then east to Fort Stephen- 
son Park and terminated. 



13 
FIRST DIVISION. 

Capt. C. H. McCleary, of Clyde, Marshal. 
Fremont Fire Department. 
Sixteenth Regiment Band, Fostoria. 
Ohio National Guard, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Keyes. 
Company G, Norwalk, Capt. W. S. Wickham; 
Company D, Fostoria, Capt. G. R. Aylesworth ; 
Company B, Sandusky City, Capt. E. B. King ; 
Company I, Clyde, Capt. M. B. Lemmon. 
Monumental Association and invited guests in carriages. 
County and city officials in carriages. 
Officials of all the towns and villages in the county in carriages. 



SECOND DIVISION. 

Capt. H. G. Stahl, Marshal. 

Miller's Band, Clyde. 

Croghan and McPherson Lodges, I. O. O. F. 

Knights of Pythias, Clyde. 

Fremont and Humboldt Lodges, K. of H. 

Fremont German Aid Society. 

St. Ann's Cadets. 

St. .^nn's Total Abstinence Society. 

Emerald Beneficial Society. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

Capt. G. F. Williams, Marshal. 
National Union Band. 
Chester A. Buckland Camp, Sons of Veterans. 
Croghan Post, No. 1, Mexican Veterans. 
McMeens Post, G. A. R., Sandusky. 
Drum Corps. 
Eugene Rawson Post, G. A. R., Fremont. 
Forsyth Post, G. A. R., Toledo. 
Oak Harbor Post, G. A. R. 
Eaton Post, G. A. R., Clyde. 
Potter Post, G. A. R., Green Spring. 
Norris Post, G. A. R., Fostoria. 
Lindsey Post, G. A. R. 
Joseph Powell Post, G. A. R., Bettsvillo. 
Manville Moore Post, G. A. R., Fremont. 
The Aides to the Grand Marshal were W. P. Haynes and George Buckland. 



14 
THE DECORATIONS. 

With perhaps one exception Fremont was never so handsomely 
or so generall)'^ decorated. Looking up and down the streets at the 
corner of Front and Croghan the sight was a beautiful one. Flags 
and banners swung across the streets and fluttered from the roofs and 
windows of the buildings. The fronts of blocks were draped with 
bunting and with flags, and show windows were most elaborately and 
tastefully trimmed. Along the line of march the decorations were 
particularly fine, but there was scarcely a home or business house in 
the city which did not contribute in some way to the city's gala day 
appearance. Coming down Croghan street the residences were prettily 
decorated. The new St Joseph's Church, with its spire rising 250 feet 
above the pavement, was a glorious sight ; flags waved from windows 
near the summit and bunting was draped downward from a great 
height. The stand pipe, the High School building, which was used as 
the headquarters of the Monumental Association for the reception of 
invited guests, Birchai'd Library and the City Hall, were conspicuous 
for their decorations. Over Croghan street near the City Hall was a 
triumphal arch, elaborately gotten up, surmounted by an eagle of gilt, 
decked with flags and ornamented by pictures of Fort Stephenson as 
it appeared in 1813, the cannon Betsey Croghan which was used in the 
defense of the fort. Ft. Sumpter and a battle scene. The halls of 
Rawson and Moore Posts, Buckland's new block, the Hayes block, the 
National Bank building. Rice's block, the I. O. O. F. hall, are deserv^- 
ing of special praise for their fine appearance. The banner swung 
across Front street by Edna Council, N. U., elicited great admiration. 
The window in Heim & Richard's dry goods store, is noteworthy among 
the many splendid window decorations. Along the line of march on 
State street and on Birchard avenue, the citizens showed their patriot- 
ism and good taste ; the decorations at the residences near Diamond 
Park were particularly striking. 

A tinge of sadness was visible throughout the general rejoicing 
and gay colors. Two weeks since, the great hero of the war, the com- 
]nander of the American armies, passed away. The sombre emblems 
of mourning mingled with the bright decorations, and his portraits 
were seen on every hand. 

The march completed, the procession halted at Fort Stephenson 
Park and gathered at the monument, while the people filled the streets 
adjoining. The Society colors and the flags of the Grand Army Posts 
were massed at the base of the shaft. The National Union Band 



15 

played " The Star Spangled Banner," after which Gen. Rutherford B. 
Hayes called the people to order and Rev. Lyman E. Prentiss, pastor 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, offered a fervent prayer : 

O, thou most worthy Lord, our Heavenly Father, we acknowledge 
that we are unworthy of presenting to thee any offering of our hands 
or heart, yet we come to thee, now praying that thy blessing be upon 
us, imploring that thou wilt hear us and bless us. We thank thee 
that we are permitted to stand upon this ground made sacred to our 
memory in the history of this county because of the victory thou dids't 
give for those who fought for liberty here. We thank thee that we 
still cherish for those brave men that respect which nothing can ever 
remove. We thank thee that thou hast permitted us to so cherish their 
memory as to erect here this monument, not only to the memory of 
those who fought on that occasion, but to the memory of all the brave 
soldiers of our county, and we pray now that thou wilt let thy choicest 
blessing rest upon us as we attend to the sacred and solemn duties of 
the hour. We pray thee to let thy blessing rest upon all who have in 
any way advanced this enterprise. Let thy blessing rest upon those 
brave men here to-day, who fought the battles of their country in the 
wars of the past. Be near all such. And we pray thy special blessing 
upon the one remaining hero of the battle of 1813, in his old age, in 
his distant home far from this ground. We pray that thou wilt let thy 
blessing rest upon him. We thank thee that we live in a country 
where not only the great and those that have occupied conspicuous 
places in the gift of the nation are honored, but also those who have 
done their duty in an humbler sphere. 

We pray that while we are mourning the death of the greatest 
hero of the nation we may also honor the privates who fell in defence 
of their country. O God, make us a nation that shall honor the 
people who are faithful to their trusts, as well as those who are great. 
Bless the exercises of the xlay. Bless us as a country. Let thy bless- 
ing rest upon the multitude gathered here. Bless us as a nation, and 
especially now, in our hours of mourning for General Grant. Bless 
his family. Bless us all in this hour of bereavement. Bless the officers 
who have charge of these exercises today; especially bless General 
Buckland, who for so many years has stood before this people, now in 
his declining years. Hear us now. Let thy work appear unto thy 
servants, and thy glory unto thy children. O, let the beauty of the 
Lord God be upon us; establish thou the work of our hands. Yea, 
the work of our hands establish thou it. And to the Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost be endless praises. Amen. 

"x\merica" was then sung, James L. Pease, of Toledo, leading. 



16 

General Ralph P. Buckland was introduced, and at the close of his 
address unveiled the monument. He spoke as follows: 

GEN. R. P. BUCKLAND'S ADDRESS. 

We are assembled here to-day on this historic ground to do honor 
to the brave soldiers of Sandusky County, and at the same time to 
celebrate the glorious victory of Major George Croghan and his gallant 
band of heroes in defeating the combined forces of British and Indians 
under Proctor and Tecumseh, on the 2d of August, 1813. 

The heroic and patriotic devotion of Major Croghan and his brave 
men, in their determination to hold and defend Fort Stephenson to the 
last man, has never been surpassed in the annals of warfare, not even by 
the world-renowned Spartan band at Thermopyl^. 

The people of Fremont have dedicated this ground, so heroically 
defended by them, to their memory forever; and the people of San- 
dusky County have further consecrated it by erecting hereon a beauti- 
ful monument to perpetuate the memory of their own brave soldiers, 
as well as that of the heroes of Fort Stephenson. 

This nation, during the first one hundred years of its existence, 
besides numerous conflicts with the aboriginal savages, was involved in 
four notable and successful wars ; the Revolutionary war, the war of 
1812 with Great Britain, the Mexican war, and the war of the great 
rebellion. 

The heroes of the Revolution have all passed away, and very few 
of the war of 1812 are still living; not one is here with us to-day. 
Sergeant Wm. Gaines is the only surviving hero of Fort Stephenson, 
and all regret that he could not be here to receive the plaudits of this 
great concourse of people ; but we have before us the only cannon that 
Major Croghan had at the battle of Fort Stephenson, which was voted 
by the Congress of the United States to this city to be preserved as a 
sacred memento of that battle. 

For the Mexican War Sandusky County furnished one company, 
under the command of Capt. E. D. Bradley, and one under Capt. 
Samuel Thompson, who was also a soldier in the war of 1812, and 
wounded at Lundy's Lane under General Scott. This occasion is 
honored by the presence of twenty -five surviving heroes of that war. 

The surviving soldiers of the War of the Rebellion are yet numer- 
ous, but are rapidly being mustered out. This great nation is at this 
moment in mourning for the death of the great General of the war, 
whose great military genius and achievements have received the applause 
of all nations. 



17 

Sandusky County responded promptly to the first call by the Presi- 
dent of the United States for volunteers, in April, 1861, by enlisting 
and organizing within three days two companies commanded by Cap- 
tains George M. Tillotson and Wra. E. Haynes, for the 8th Ohio 
Regiment. That regiment fought with distinguished bravery in 
seventy-six battles and skirmishes; and at the great battle of Gettys- 
burg, under the command of its gallant Colonel, Frank Sawyer, it 
achieved immortal renown by charging and driving superior numbers 
of the enemy from an important position in front of the Union lines^ 
and holding it for nearly two days, and until the victorious close of the 
battle, against the repeated assaults of the enemy. In this affair the 
regiment lost in killed and wounded nearly one-half of its number 
engaged. After the victory was won, as the survivors of this gallant 
band of heroes passed to the rear, they were enthusiastically cheered 
by the surrounding Union troops. 

At the battle of Shiloh, on the morning ot the 6th of April, 
1862, the 72nd Ohio, organized at Fremont and largely composed of 
Sandusky County men, occupied the right of Buckland's Brigade of 
General Sherman's Division. That brigade, repulsed, with great 
slaughter of the enemy, repeated charges by greatly superior numbers, 
and only retired by order of General Sherman after all the rest of the 
Union line attacked by the enemy had been driven back. 

Confederate General Basil Duke, in an article on the battle of 
Shiloh, says of this brigade: "Every demonstration against it was 
repulsed; artillery was used in vain against it; some of the best 
brigades of the army moved on it only to be hurled back, and strew 
the morass in its front with their dead. The Confederate loss at this 
point was frightful. At last, after having held the position from 7 or 
7:30 A. M. uutil after 10 a. m., and every thing on its left having been 
driven back, and the Confederate artillery having reached a point 
where its guns could play upon its rear, it was abandoned as no longer 
tenable." 

Major Eugene Rawson, born and raised in Fremont, fought as a 
private soldier in the first battle of Bull Run, and after fighting at 
Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, and many other places, was mortally 
wounded in battle in Mississippi whilst commanding the 72d Ohio. 

Major-General James B. McPherson, killed in front of Atlanta in 
command of the army of the Tennessee, and one of General Grant's 
most reliable Generals, was born in Clyde, Sandusky County, on the 
ground where his surviving comrades of the Army of the Tennessee, 
have erected to his memory a beautiful and life-like statue. 

2 



18 

Sandusky County men enlisted in nuiny other regiments and com- 
panies, but I must not stop here to enumerate them or to recite their 
many heroic deeds. Sandusky County was represented by her soldiers 
in all the great Union armies and in the Navy, and in nearly every 
great battle of the war from the first battle of Bull Run to the battle 
of Nashville; in McClellan's campaigns; in Grant's battles of the 
Wilderness ; and in Sherman's march to the sea. It is sufficient for me 
to say here that everywhere they performed their duties courageously 
and well. On more than a hundred battle fields they shed their blood 
and laid down their lives, to save our glorious Union of States, and 
our free institutions. Many of their surviving comrades, and this 
great assembly of people are here to-day to honor their sacred memory. 
Sandusky County has reason to be proud of her soldiers. 

And now, on behalf and in the name of all the people of San- 
dusky County, to perpetuate the memory of the heroes of Fort 
Stephenson, and the memory of Sandusky County's brave soldiers in 
the Mexican war and in the great war of the Rebellion, and their 
patriotic sacrifices for our country, I unveil and dedicate this beautiful 
monument. 

As the flag, which enveloped the statue, fell, and the monument 
stood revealed in all its beauty, a mighty cheer w^ent up irom the 
assembled multitude. O. J. Hopkins' battery thundered forth a salute, 
and the music of bands mingled with the shouts of the people. Mean- 
while the sky had become overcast and at this juncture the rain drops 
commenced to fall. The people hurriedly dispersed to dinner ; the 
invited guests to the houses of certain of our citizens ; the veterans 
and many others to the places where dinner was served by Moore and 
Rawson Posts ; the City Council and their guests, the town and village 
officers, to the Ball House ; the militia to the Ball House, and the 
balance of the crowd to the hotels, restaurants, lunch stands and their 
homes. 

AFTERNOON EXERCISES. 

Upon re-assembling at the Court House Park at 1:30 p. M., the 
weather was still more threatening. A platform to accommodate two 
hundred persons had been erected near the stand pipe and was occupied 
by the invited guests, officials, ladies and members of the press. Sesits 
adjoining the platform had been provided for nearly a thousand others, 
and the seats were filled while hundreds stood near the speaker's stand. 
General Hayes, President of the Day, called the assembly to order. 



19 

and the song, "Marching Through Georgia," was rendered by the 
male chorus who had charge of the vocal music. At the conclusion of 
the song, General Hayes said : 

That was a very pleasant song, fellow-citizens, but I do not know 
liow it sounds to all ears, for we are honored here to-day by the pres- 
ence of a Confederate from Georgia. I will introduce him to you. 

As the cheers of the audience resounded, a large, well built, intel- 
ligent looking man arose near the center of the platform and bowed to 
the audience. His name is James Lachlison, of Darien, Georgia. He 
was Captain of a company ot Georgia volunteers, was taken prisoner 
and for "seven months, in 1863, was confined on Johnson's Island. 

"John Brown's Body" was next sung and lustily cheered, after 
which General R. B. Hayes said : 

Fellow Citizens : The occasion which has brought together 
this large assemblage has a two-fold interest. On the spot where Major 
George Croghan and his gallant little band seventy-two years ago suc- 
cessfully defended Fort Stephenson against a largely superior force of 
British Regulars and Indians under Proctor, the people of Sandusky 
County have built a monument in honor of their fellow-citizens, living 
and dead, who faithfully served in the army of the Union. The date 
and place of our meeting and the unveiling of this soldiers' monuau-nt 
remind us of two inspiring events — one of limited and perhaps local 
.significance merely, and the other of a character which rivets the 
attention of all mankind. 

The simple ceremonies we have witnessed in this place, on this 
anniversary recall the men, the events and the scenes of the old pioneer 
days of the Northwest Territory. They also vividly recall those never 
to be forgotten heroic days of 1861-1865, when the great questions of 
Liberty and of National life were submitted to the God of Battles. 

Intimately associated with Croghan's victory are the favorite 
names of the pioneer history of the West. General Harrison, Com- 
modore Perry, General Cass, General McArthur, Colonel Richard M. 
Johnson, Governor Meigs, Governor Tiffin, and a long list of other 
able men whose names were household words in the homes of the first 
settlers of this region, were all closely identified with the military events 
which hinged upon the brilliant victory which was gained here, and 
which decided the struggle for the vast and noble territory which is 
tributary to the great lakes of the Northwest. That I do not over- 
.state the importance of the brilliant event which gives a place in his- 
tory to our little city of Fremont, I read you a few paragraphs from 
letters to one of our committee by Colonel Charles Whittlesey, of 



20 

Cleveland, and by General Sherman. With an honorable record as a 
Union soldier, Colonel Whittlesey is still more widely known as the 
indefatigable and learned local historian of this part of our country. 
He says : 

"Your polite invitation brings in review a number of historical 
events connected with your city, that have occurred during the past 
century. The rapids at Lower Sandusky, where Fremont now is, put 
a stop to the expedition of Colonel Bradstreet in October, 1764, on its 
way to join Colonel Bouquet at the forks of the Muskingum. 

" During the war of the revolution many of the expeditions of the 
British and their Indian allies, passed up the Sandusky River, to attack 
the frontier settlements. In the fall of 1781, the Moravian Missions 
on the Tuscarawas under Zeisberger, were forced away from their posts, 
to the towns on the Sandusky, and thence to Detroit. Indian and 
English war parties passed up the river to join in the battle against 
Colonel Crawford, near Upper Sandusky, in June, 1762. The first 
Protestant Mission among the Wyandots, and the first United States 
Agency, were located at the lower rapids in 1803 and 1808, their build- 
ings forming part of the Fort constructed in 1812. The first company 
drafted on the Reserve in April, 1812, under Captain John Campbell 
was ordered there, and assisted in completing the Fort. 

" But all these interesting events, culminated in the unparalleled 
discomfiture of the British and Indians, in August, 1813, by a young 
major of Kentucky, acting against orders. Nothing can be more 
appropriate than the celebration of a defence so brilliant and complete, 
and the erection of a durable monument to fix the spot forever." 

General Sherman, writing to the Committee, points out in his terse 
way the strategic value of the triumphant defence of Fort Stephenson. 
He says : 

" The defence of Fort Stephenson by Croghan and his gallant little 
band was the necessary precursor to Perry's victory on the Lake and of 
General Harrison's triumphant victory at the battle of the Thames. 
These assured to our immediate ancestors the mastery of the Great 
West, and from that day to this the West has been the bulwark of the 
nation. 

"The occasion is worthy a monument to the skies and nothing 
could be more congenial to me personally than to assist." 

Happy as we are in the time and place of our celebration, its chief 
attraction is, however, the dedication of a monument to the soldiers of 
the Union. 

The first on the list of the soldiers of the Union whom our 



21 

countrymen delight to honor, and the first to reply to the invitation of 
the committee appointed for this occasion, was the truest representative 
and the best type of the loyal American soldier. His reply to the in- 
vitation is as follows : 

" Mt. McGregor, July 14, 1885. 

"Gentlemen: — General Grant directs nae to acknowledge the receipt of 
your invitation to be present at the unveiling of the soldiers' naonunient in Fre- 
mont on the 1st of August, and to convey to you his heartfelt thanks for the 
kind expressions contained therein personal to himself. 
" Very Respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, N. E. DAWSON." 

Since this letter was written the great soldier has been relieved 
from the suifering which he bore with such patient and noble fortitude. 
The nation he did so much to save is tearfully, but gratefully and 
proudly preparing to perform the last sad offices in honor of her match- 
less warrior and best loved citizen. The monument we dedicate here, 
every monument to the citizen soldier of the Union, is a monument 
that reminds us of the deeds and virtues of General Grant. Although 
trained as a soldier, the war found him a citizen — it made him again a 
soldier, and in his last years he was once more a citizen. He was 
simple, sincere, just, magnanimous and pure, and to these high quali- 
ties were added by nature with lavish prodigality an iron determina- 
tion, an unyielding tenacity of purpose, and a serene and heroic 
mastery of all his faculties in the midst of responsibility, danger and 
death which fitted him above any other living man for the command of 
the Grand Army of the Republic, in whose keeping were the vast and 
vital interests of our country and of mankind. Our monument in 
Fort Stephenson Park in Fremont to the Union soldiers of this county 
— indeed, every monument to the Union soldier, is also a monument to 
General Grant. In like manner every monument to General Grant 
will be a monument to the men of the armies he led. His name and 
fame and their name and fame are forever linked together. Our 
country, with a government free and popular, but strong enough to 
maintain its authority and to deiend its life ; with a people all of whom 
under the law "have an equal start and a fair chance," bound to- 
gether — "an indestructible union of indestructible States;" with a 
present population, wealth, power and prestige, beyond any other 
civilized Nation ; and with a future far transcending in its possibilities 
all that the world has known in the past — this country is at once the 
reward, and the monument of the Union soldiers and of their great 
and beloved commander. General Grant. 



22 

After the speech of (ienenil Hayes and singing by the choir, the 
proceedings of the afternoon were opened with prayer by Rev. J. I. 
Svvunder, pastor of the Reform Church, Fremont, Ohio, as follows: 

We praise thee, O God. All the pure intelligence of the uni- 
verse acknowledge thee to be the Lord. Thou hast made of one blood 
all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. We re- 
joice that thou hast permitted us, the American people, to assume 
among them a separate and an equal station. While we confess our 
sins as the cause of all. our elements of weakness we acknowledge thy 
sovereign })leasure and goodness as the primary source of all tlie 
achievements of our past, the joys of our present, and the hopes of our 
future. For had it not been for the Lord, who was on our side, our 
enemies would have swallowed us up quickly when foreign powers and 
civil discord threatened our existence. Thou didst give us strength to 
overcome foreign oppression and to resist foreign encroachment. Thou 
didst smile upon our arms when the star of our Empire turned its 
course toward the land of the Montezumas. When sectional jealousy 
and unhallowed ambition for the supremacy of political peace and 
power arose in civil strife to disrupt our Union and dismember our 
sisterhood of States, thou didst look from heaven, maintain the strug- 
gling cause of Republican government and demonstrate on earth that 
the principle of eternal right is the power of invincible might. 

And when the cruel war was over — when the heroic deeds of the 
great had passed into history — when the patriotic souls of the good had 
gone to glory — thou didst quicken the sentiments of gratitude in those 
who survived to enjoy the blessings of a country saved by blood. We 
rejoice that the people of Sandusky County had both the opportunity 
and disposition to bear some humble part with the nation's living in 
paying tribute to the nation's dead. Protected by Thy Providence, may 
the monument this day unveiled stand as a reminder of American pat- 
riotism and valor until man's last enemy shall fall. Bless all our sur- 
viving soldiers and the widows and orphans of those who bore the 
battle and fell in the heat of the fearful conflict. May pros})erity, 
peace and piety be their guardian angels on the earth, may the sun-set 
of their lives be full of prophetic glory ; and in the coming crowning 
victory may heaven be their exceeding great reward. 

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who have 
departed hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of tlie faithful 
are in joy and felicity, we entreat thee in behalf of the bereaved family 
of our most illustrious citizen. Look in compassion toward the summit 
of Mt. McGregor. May the bereaved and afflicted ones i-est their sor- 



rowful souls in the sweet assurance that death does not end all that 
there is of us and for us-that heaven is the land of all the really free, 
and the home of all the truly brave. ,. , , • 

Help us to become more worthy of the pecuhar blessnigs we now 
enjoy. xMay we as a people go forward and upward in the fu fiUmen 
of our honorable and responsible mission until all the monarchies and 
anarchies of the world shall bow with admiration and respect before 
the superlative majesty of the An.erican Kepublic. Hasten the time 
.hen the universal reign of peace shall herald the dawn of that dlus- 
trious day when all Thine armies shall shine in robes of victory; and 
then, O God, in Christ, the glory shall be Thine. Amen. 

\ song followed, after which Captain John M. Lemmon, of Clyde, 
the historian of the occasion, was introduced and delivered an interest- 
in. address, which will form a valuable addition to the history of our 
county. Soon after commencing his address the threatened storm 
broke and the assembly adjourned to the Presbyterian Church where 
the exercises of the day were concluded. The church was hlled to its 
utmost capacity. Mr. Lemmon's address was as follows : 

Sanduskv County was erected by act of February 12th, 1820, and 
included as then created all that part of the present Ottawa County 
Ivincr west of the Firelands and also a part of Lucas ; our northern 
boundary Avas Lake Erie. Seneca County was created by the same act 
and was attached to Sandusky. . 

The county seat was temporarily fixed by the creative act at 
Croghansville, until commissioners appointed by the General Assembly 
shouldfix the permanent seat of justice. 

Sandusky County as thus created included all the territory north 
of the townships numbered three (3) north, in ranges thirteen, four- 
teen, fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen-extending to the north boundary 

of the State. ,,1-0 11, The. 

No part of Seneca County was ever included in Sandusky, ihe 
territory erected into Sandusky County was formerly a part of Huron 
C.mnty, and before that Cuyahoga County. 

Ottawa County was created about February, 1840, and since that 
date our boundaries have remained unchanged. The name Sandusky 
comes from the Indian language, and signifies cold spring. ihe 
original spelling is quite undetermined. , , , •„ 

The «eat of Justice was permanently located at Sandusky village, 
afterward called Lower Sandusky, on the west side of the river, soon 
after the countv was created, and now Croghansville and Lower ban- 
dusky are nam'es of the past, and in their place we have the city of 
Fremont, 



24 

The monument we unveil to-day stands upon the site of Fort 
Stephenson, sometimes called Fort Sandusky. The fort or stockade 
seems never to have been regarded as much of a place until Major 
Croghan so gallantly defended it on August 2, 1813. General Har- 
rison wanted to abandon it, but the Major declined to obey and de- 
clared he could hold the place — and he did. The fort was only a 
stockade with a moat or ditch around it. 

The battle of Fort Stephenson was one of those successful acci- 
dents that oiten result in the course of war, and demonstrated that in 
war real pluck and heroism count for more than strategy, or that which 
is commonly called generalship. 

In 1820, Sandusky County (as then bounded) had a population of 
a little more than one person to the square mile, and in all of 850 
souls. It was on the border line between the settled and the unsettled 
west, but its people were of patriotic blood. It can hardly be said 
that the early settlers were distinctively from any one State. Many 
were from the State of New York ; in the eastern portion were many 
from Connecticut and other New England States, and a great many in 
all parts of the county came from Pennsylvania. There were early 
settlers from Maryland, Virginia and other States. 

The prospects of these early settlers wei'e for many years extremely 
bad — indeed, gloomy The county was densely timbered; the land 
was considered low and wet ; the roads were bad ; markets were few 
and far away; sickness was abundant. It is safe to say that more than 
one-half the early settlers became discouraged and abandoned the 
country. They had little idea of what Sandusky County would be in 
1885. It was only the brave, the stout-hearted, who remained, with 
possibly a few who were too poor to get away. 

Among these early settlers were many of the soldiers of the war 
of 1812. When a mere boy I have sat many a time on my grand- 
father's knee as he told me what he saw and heard while a volunteer 
in the war. Every neighborhood had its veteran of that war. 

But the courage and the industry of these early settlers overcame 
all difficulties, and Sandusky County became great and strong and pop- 
ulous. She produced great statesmen, great generals, and a great 
army of most gallant soldiers. 

From a population of 852 in 1820, we reached 21,429 in 1860, 
with one-third our territory cut off to create Ottawa County. In 1870 
we numbered 25,503, and in 1880, 32,057. 

When war arose between the United States and Mexico, San- 
dusky County furnished its share of volunteer soldiers. One full com- 
pany under Captain Samuel Thompson — who was in the war of 1812 



25 

and wounded at Lundy's Lane — was raised. The company was com- 
posed of four commissioned officers, and seventy-six privates, and be- 
came part of the Fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry — Col. 
Chas. H. Brough. 

This regiment went from Cincinnati to New Orleans, thence to 
Brazos Santiago and from that point marched to the mouth of the 
Rio Giande and was transported thence to Vera Cruz — where it became 
part of the brigade of Major-General Joseph Lane, September 19, 
1847, the command mai'ched for the interior and reached Jalapa, 
September 30, 18-17, and, I believe, was engaged in battle under Lane 
in the streets of Pueblo, when Santa Anna made his attempt to recap- 
ture that place September 22, 1847. Colonel Childs was commanding 
the post or fort there — had been attacked and General Lane came to 
his relief and drove the Mexicans from the i)lace. 

June 2, 1848, the regiment left Pueblo on its return home. 

Besides this. Captain Edwin D. Bradley and J. A. Jones, recruited 
a number of men for the Mexican war in this county. I have found 
the names of eighteen volunteers besides those who went out with 
Thompson. In all, I believe, there were at least 110 men who volun- 
teered from Sandusky County for the Mexican war. 

I should have mentioned the bloodless Michigan war — for San- 
dusky County furnished a brigadier general and one regiment of militia 
and many heroes for it. This "war" grew out of the question of 
l)oundary between Ohio and Michigan. Ohio claimed to the present 
line, and Michigan (then a territory) claimed the line should be some 
ten miles further south — thus including the present site of Toledo within 
Michigan. The dispute waxed warm. In April, 1835, General John 
Bell — then Brigadier-General of Ohio Militia, afterwards Probate Judge 
of the county — was ordered by the Governor of Ohio to raise 500 men 
to rendezvous at Lower Sandusky, and repair himself at once to the 
Governor's headquarters at Fort Miami. A regiment of militia from 
Sandusky County, under command of Colonel Louis Jennings, joined 
General Bell in the latter part of April, 1835. 

A fact which lent importance to the question involved was this : 
Ohio had at great expense constructed the Miami Canal, which termin- 
ated in the Miami of the Lakes — Maumee — at Manhattan. If the 
Michigan claim should prevail, the terminus of this canal would be 
outside the State that built it. 

It may Avell be said that by the letter of the law bounding Ohio 
on the north, the line was as claimed by Michigan— and yet Ohio had 
all the time had and exercised possession and jurisdiction of the dis- 
puted territory. 



2B 

The territorial governor of Michigan — Mason — called out a body 
of troops to rendezvous on the Michigan side, and matters looked 
threatening. 

April 26, 1835, some fifty men of Governor Masons mounted 
forces, armed with muskets, came upon an Ohio surveying party which 
was engaged in running out the line, ca})tured the most of the party 
and bore them away to Tecumseh, Michigan, where the prisoners were 
required to give bail for their ai)pearance before a magistrate except 
two, who were released and one who refused to give bail and was held 
in custody. Of this party were Colonels Scott, Hawkins and Gould, 
and Major R. S. Rice, the latter better known as Dr. Rice, father of 
Dr. John B. Rice. 

Governor Lucas, of Ohio, finding that if he persisted in running 
out the line claimed by Ohio, an actual conflict would result, dis- 
banded his forces. The controversy was finally adjusted by giving the 
disputed strip to Ohio; and Congress gave to Michigan when she was 
erected into a State, -June 15, 1836, as a solace, the upper peninsula — 
containing the mineral lands about Lake Superior — and so ended the 
Michigan war — without bloodshed and without a shot being fired. 

The war of the rebellion found our people utterly ignorant as to 
military matters. There were only a few soldiers here and those had 
seen service in Mexico. And the militia laws which had been in force 
and the training or muster da3's which had been set apart, liad left 
apparently little or no knowledge among our people of anything except 
that on the training days they had " a high old time." Fights and 
races, drinks and dances, and a good time and a gala day— that was- 
what training day meant When there was no more of these — and 
they ceased about 1837 — our people thought no more of war, but 
relapsed altogether into the ways of peace. 

The year 1861 found the people of Sandusky County fairly pros- 
})erous and in a "well-to-do" condition, devoted to the arts of peace 
and strangers to anything like war. But they were patriotic ; warmly 
attached to their institutions, devoted to their country and its flag. 

When the national flag was fired upon by rebels, and an appeal to 
arms came, the men of Sandusky did not hesitate — their answer was 
prompt and emphatic. Two lull companies were enlisted in a day. 
More men came forward than could be accepted. 

At that time this county had a population of about 22,000 souls. 
It had of male persons of military age, viz:' of the age of 18 to 45 
years about 4,300. In 1862 the number was returned at 4,387, Of 
these a considerable percentage was unfitted for military service by dis- 
ease or infirmity. 



27 



I have found that some strange fatality has attended the records 
of the war days. Various enactments of the State Legislature during 
the years 1861 to 1865, inclusive, required the several ward and town- 
ship assessors of personal property, each year, to make and return to 
the County Auditors a complete list of all soldiers who had entered the 
military service, stating who had died, from each ward and township. 
Also to report a complete list of persons liable to perform military duty. 
Some attempt was made to make and report these lists. But the 
reports were very indifferently preserved. No provision was made for 
recording the lists and very little effort seems to have been made to 
properly file and preserve the very interesting papers. 

I have been able to find all the returns for 1862, and nearly all 
for 1664. But few of the returns for 1863 and 1865 can be found. A 
careful examination shows them to have been very carelessly and badly 
.-otten up For example: In Townsend township there are two 
reports for 1864, of names of persons who had entered the service from 
that township-both by the same assessor. One gives the total number 
as 88, the other as 103. In York, in 1862, the number is given as 158, 
and the names are given, while in 1865 the number is placed at 98, 
this probably includes only one precinct; I am satistied neither list is- 
correct. In Scott the number in 1865 is put in one report at 125, in 
another at 109. These reports are now of great historical interest and 
of great value, and I am certain that if the persons who made them- 
and their custodians-could have foreseen their great interest and value 
they would have been better made out and preserved. 

I have carefully studied such of these reports as I could find, and 
have examined into every source of information, and give you the best 
results I can, showing Sandusky County's part in the great war of tlie 
rebellion. These reports are to May of each year. 

In 1862, we had sent 827 men; in 1863, about 1,650; in 1864, 
9 060 • in 1865, 2,300. This is exclusive of those troops designated as- 
100-day men-or Ohio National Guard-of whom Sandusky County 
furnished from 700 to 900 in 1864. 

In this calculation I count individual enlistments and do not in- 
clude re-enlistments. It will be observed that 70 per cent, of our male 
population of military age entered the military service during this war. 
A considerable number above the age of 45 years went into the ser- 
vice but, as a rule, they were une<iual to the hardships of the service. 
In 1860 the population of the several townships of this county 
was- York, 1,619; Green Creek, 1,826; Ballville, 2,188; Kice, 943; 
Washington, 1,992; Madison, 981; Fremont, 3,510; Townsend,. 



28 

1,062; Riley, 1,198; Sandusky, 1,251; Jackson, 1,478; Scott, 1,264; 
Woodville, 1,561; Clyde, 701; Clyde and Green Creek, 2,527; Fre- 
mont and Sandusky, 4,761 

If we calculate the percentage of soldiers furnished, based upon 
population, by townships, we find that in 1865 Sandusky towaiship — 
including Fremont — had furnished 12.5 per cent; Green Creek, in- 
cluding Clyde, 17g^ per cent; Ballville, 9^ per cent; Townsend, 10 
per cent ; Riley, 7 per cent. 

The entire county sent about 11 per cent, of its population of 
1860 into the army, excluding 100-day men. 

I found in the Auditor's office in a book where the Military Relief 
Fund account w'as kept, a t:il)le purporting to be made up in 1865, 
giving the number of soldiers enlisted from each township, and also the 
number who had died, as follows : 



NAME OF TOWNSHIP. 



SOLDIEES 
ENLISTED. 



York, 

Townsend, 

Green Creek, 

Eiley, . 

Ballville, 

Sandusky, 

Jackson, 

Washington, 

Scott, 

Madison, 

Woodville, 

Kice, 



98 


15 


88 


27 


351 


37 


79 


7 


200 


47 


593 


107 


78 


12 


180 


32 


109 


18 


73 


8 


111 


26 


100 


16 



I am satisfied these figures are not all correct, and are in part 
below the truth After comparing all sources of information, I con- 
clude the following table very nearly gives the number of men each 
township furnished, exclusive of one hundred day men : York, 176 ; 
Townsend, 103; Green Creek, 351; Riley, 79; Ballville, 231; San- 
dusky, 593; Jackson, 110; Washington, 189; Scott, 135; Madison, 
86; Woodville, 149; Rice, 100. A total of 2,302. 

The greatest fatality was among the men from Townsend — being 
over 25 per cent. The least was among the men from Riley — less than 
10 per cent. The average of "died in service," was probably at least 
15 in 100 among the soldiers from this county. I have found nothing 
from which I can determine the number of Sandusky County soldiers 



29 

who were killed and wounded, and who died during and since the war 
and resulted from that service. I am convinced the total loss was con- 
siderably above the average of the army during the war. 

The records of the civil war show that the general mortality among 
the volunteer soldiers was about 75.4 in 1,000 ; of killed in battle there 
were 18.8 in 1,000; died of wounds, 11.2 in 1,000, making a total loss 
by death 105.4 in every 1,000, or 10^ per cent. 

The soldiers who went from Sandusky, were, so far as I can learn, 
put into active service. They were in the field and in the front of 
battle, and the losses they suffered attest their bravery. 

The first soldiers who went, and indeed those who enlisted in 1861, 
were promised no bounties. July 22, 1861, Congress provided that 
the widow or legal heirs of each volunteer who should die or be killed 
in the service, and each soldier when honorably discharged should 
receive |100 if he should serve two years. April 21, 1862, Congress 
provided that $25 of the bounty should be paid as soon as the soldier 
was mustered. June 25, 1863, in order to increase the army in the 
field, the War Department by General Order No. 191, directed the 
payment of a bounty of $102 to every soldier who had served two 
years and should re-enlist for three and become "Veteran Volunteers." 

The drain of men for the war became very great, and in the latter 
years the States, counties and townships, and local voluntary organiza- 
tions offered local bounties. And when it seemed to be necessary to 
resort to a draft, large sums were raised to relieve the several townships 
from the draft and to procure substitutes to go in the array. The 
prices paid for so-called substitutes ranged from one or two hundred as 
high as $1,000. Indeed, the prices got so high that there sprang up a 
class called "bounty jumpers," who engaged in the very dishonorable 
work of enlisting for large bounties and deserting immediately. I am 
unwilling to believe many Sandusky County men engaged in this 
nefarious practice. 

War means destruction, not merely of material, but of men — of 
life and health ; and the question, who shall be victor? is not always 
to be determined merely by valor nor by strategy, but by ability to 
endure — who is best able to suffer. In battle many are killed, many 
more are wounded, and hardships make still many others sick. It 
therefore becomes important the work of healing — of recuperation, 
shall go rapidly forward. 

We can hardly over-estimate the good work, and great aid done 
and furnished by the sanitary commission, and the aid societies during 
the war. The patriotic women of Fremont and of Clyde, and of the 



30 

^vhole country, did very greatly contribute to relieve the suffering of 
the wounded and the sick, and to heal and l)uild them up, and to 
enable them to go again into the great conflict. 

I should be very glad to give you a full statement of the work 
done by these societies — but their records are gone in great part. Mrs. 
A. H. Miller, once president of the Fremont society, wrote me : "After 
receiving your letter I made inquiry regarding the Ladies' Aid Society 
♦luring; the war and cannot learn that the records were saved. * * I 
remember the ladies worked all the summer before the society was 
organized, and the first work done after its organization was to knit 
mittens for the 72d Regiment. '=" * It is difficult obtaining facts 
about the society on account of a number of the leading members hav- 
ing died. * * 

The society was composed of a large number of ladies who organ- 
ized by annually chosing from their number a president, vice-president, 
secretary and treasurer, and also a visiting or soliciting committee. The 
object was to collect, make and send forward such articles of wearing 
apparel as could not be had in the field— and especially clothing, medi- 
cine, food, lint, bandages and other articles for hospital use. They 
usually met at intervals and made up and prepared articles for use. 
They solicited donations of money, clothing, canned fruits, delicacies, 
vegetables and everything which could better the condition of the sick 
and wounded soldiers. They would take a horse and wagon and go 
into the country soliciting, and by their untiring labors of love, they 
collected and forwarded large quantities of fruits, delicacies, vegetables, 
clothing and hospitable supplies, Avhich were of priceless value in alle- 
viating the suffering and promoting the comfort of the sick and 
wounded. In a single quarter of 1864, the Fremont society forwarded 
39 woolen shirts, 19 cotton shirts, 42 pairs of socks, 20 pairs of drawers, 
10 sheets, 13 towels, 9 double gowns, 50 handkerchiefs, 16 pillow slips, 
and large (juantities of lint, compresses, dried and canned fruit, etc. 

The Clyde society, if less numerous, was not less zealous in its 
ffood work. It consisted of 68 members, 34 of whom were workers 
and the othe*s contributors. Of this society 23 have since died. This 
society collected in money 1837.32, and sent forward 285 shirts, 215 
pairs of drawers, 273 towels, 15 bed ticks, 129 double gowns, 214 
pillow cases, 128 pillows, 51 sheets, 64 comforts, 654 pads, 4,412 yards 
of bandages, 3,589 compresses, 34 rolls linen and cotton, 2 boxes lint, 
12 pairs of slippers, 626 handkerchiefs, 7 coats, 170 pairs of socks, 
some mittens, napkins, armslings, canned and dried fruits, pickles and 
many other articles. 



31 

The good ladies of Fremont rented a hou.se and established a sort 
of hospital or sanitarium for sick and disabled soldiers returning on 
leave or from prison. 

Relief measures were found to be necessary very soon after the 
first soldiers went to the field. Many who went were day laborers and 
left their families without means; voluntary aid was rendered by neigh- 
bors and friends, but was not adequate. May 10th, 1861, the Legisla- 
ture authorized the several counties to levy a tax of one-half mill and 
create a relief fund for the lienefit of necessitous soldiers' families. 
June 8th, 1861, a petition signed by several hundred prominent citizens 
and tax-payers of the county was presented to the County Commis- 
sioners asking them to levy a tax for the relief of necessitous families 
of soldiers. The prayer of the petitioners was heeded. June 22nd, 

1861, the commissioners held their first meeting for the purpose of act- 
ing as a relief and disbursed $79. July 6th, 1861, they disbursed $124. 
Thereafter they met at short intervals and heard statements and granted 
relief; until it was difficult, if not impossible, for the commissioners to 
attend to all the requests, and March 21st, 1883, a law was enacted 
authorizing the County Commissioners to distribute the relief fund to 
the several townships, according to the necessities of families of soldiers 
as returned by the township assessors, and relief was authorized to be 
extended to families of deceased soldiers. From July 3d, 1863, to 
January 7th, 1867, there was collected and paid to the several town- 
ships for the relief of soldiers' families more than $26,400. 

Early in the war, the Legislature, by act passed February 4th, 

1862, authorized the payment by soldiers to the State Treasurer through 
a State agent, of any money the soldier desired to send to his family, 
or friend, or to send home for safe keeping. The usual course was to 
pay the money to the State agent in the field, taking his receipt for the 
amount. The agent then paid the money into the State treasury. The 
soldier sent his receipt to the person whom he desired to get the money. 
This person presented the receipt to the County Auditor, who gave an 
order on the County Treasurer for the amount. The County Treasurer 
was required to pay the order from any funds in his office, and then he 
was re-imbursed monthly from the State treasury. All this was done 
without charge or expense to the soldier or his family. 

In this way Sandusky County soldiers sent home from June 11th, 
1862, to October 24th, 1865, $143,322.86. The largest sum sent was 
$1,384.53, by an officer who had been for many months a prisoner of war. 

This sum I am sure does not represent one-half the money sent 
home by our soldiers. Much was sent by express, and much by private 
parties. I doubt not that half a million dollars were sent home by 



32 

Sandusky County soldiers during the war of the rebellion. 

In what regiments, companies, batteries or other organizations did 
the Sandusky County soldiers serve? 

I have labored in vain, I fear, to answer this question fully. A 
"History of Sandusky County" states the organizations— giving 25. 
Another history says they served in 21 organizations. Neither is at all cor- 
rect. The soldiers who went from this county into the war of the rebellion , 
served in more than 120 different regiments or independent organizations. 

They served in the following reginumts of infantry volunteers: 
2d, 4th, -5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 28d, 24th, 25th, 28th, 
29th, 32d, 83d, 34th, 3()th, 37th, 39th, 41st, 43d, 49th, 50th, 52d, 
55th, 56th, 57th, 58th, 60th, 64th, 65th, 66th, 68th, 69th, 70th, 72d, 
74th, 82d, 86th, 100th, 101st, 108d, 105th, 107th, 110th, 111th, 123d, 
126th, 128th, 129th, 176th, 177th, 180th, 181st, 185th, 186th, 188th, 
189th, 191st, 195th, 196th, 197th, 198th. 

And in the following infantry regiments of the National Guards, 
viz: 139th, 145th, 164th and 169th. 

They also were in the 2d, 3d, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 12th regi- 
ments of cavalry volunteers, and in the 1st and 2d regiments of light 
artillery, and in the 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22d bat- 
teries. The county was also represented in company 7 of sharp-shooters 
and in Hoffman's battalion. 

Besides these 92 Ohio organizations, Sandusky County had repre- 
sentatives in 28 organizations outside of Ohio, viz : 2d colored troops, 
44th ditto, 9th, 16th and 29th Indiana Infantry Volunteers, 1st and 
18th Michigan Infantry Volunteers, 54th and 65th New York Infantry 
Volunteers, 169th and 198th Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers, 10th 
and 18th U. S. Infantry, 1st U. S. Chasseurs, 2d Colorado Cavalry, 
6th Illinois Cavalry, 1st Michigan Cavalry, 1st and 6th U. S. Cavalry, 
1st Illinois Battery, 5th Michigan Battery, 10th U. S. Battery, 1st 
Michigan Mechanics and Engineers, U. S Telegraph Corps, President's 

Body Guard (same as Union Light Guard) and Virginia 

Cavalry. There were also several representatives in the naval and gun- 
boat services. It is certain enough that the soldiers of Sandusky 
County were represented in 120 different organizations. 

The largest number in one command was in the 72d Infantry, 
next in the 169th O. N. G., and then there were two companies in the 
gallant old 8th (infantry), and about one company each in the 21st, 
25th, 49th, 55th, 100th, 111th, and 186th Volunteer Infantry. There 
was also a company in the 3d cavalry. In the other named organiza- 
tions the number vai-ied from nearly a company to a small squad. 

If it be iiufuired, where did these men from Sandusky County 



33 

fight their l)attles? I answer, all along the line from the Atlantic 
Ocean to the Kocky Mountains'. They helped to expel the rebels from 
West Virginia. They aided in reclaiming Kentucky for the Union. 
They were on the Peninsula, and in the great battles of the Seven 
Days' fighting; they were in the Atlanta campaign, and, indeed, in 
each of the great campaigns of the civil war. 

In the work of suppressing the rebellion, Sandusky County soldiers 
penetrated every Southern State, save, perhaps, Florida. In the march- 
ing and counter-marching before Washington and in the Shenandoah 
V^alley, and in the reclamation of East Tennessee; in the movement to 
Northern Alabama and the long race with Bragg's army in 1862, and 
in the swamp of the Missis-ippi, in the perilous and brilliant operations 
about Vicksburg, and the long and exhausting movements against 
Atlanta, in the Wilderness, and in the bloody contests of 1864; in the 
advance on Ivichmond and in the grand and glorious inarch to the sea; 
in all these and many other marches, sieges, advances and retreats, the 
brave sons of your county had their full share. 

Often footsore and weary; many limes destitute of food and cloth- 
ing; braving the enemy and elements alike, they went bravely and un- 
complainingly forward, with unfaltering determination to j)lant the 
flag of their country upon every foot of its soil. 

It made no difference that they wei'e required to endure the tropical 
heat of a southern sun, lying in rifle-pits or trenches, nor that they were 
compelled to endure the cold blasts of winter without tents or covering, 
nor yet that rations were often poor and sometimes wholly wanting, 
they went steadily, heroically forward. They met and mingled with 
their fellow soldiers from every loyal State and region, and can truly 
boast that in all the qualities of soldiers and citizens they were among 
the foremost and the best. 

I attempted, in preparing this pajx^r, and had intended to mention 
the l)attlcs in which Sandusky County soldi(!rs participates!, liut you 
will remember there were 2250 engagements in that war. Our soldiers 
were in 120 different organizations. I found I could not, within pro[)er 
limits, give the list. We know they fougiit in all the great battles of 
the war. Their mettle was first tried in the early battles of what is 
now West Virginia, and in numerous affairs in Virginia, Kentucky, 
and Tennessee, in the first year of the conflict. Some were at Bull 
Run, and some at Donelson and New Madrid. Surely of the great 
battles our county had its full share. At Shiloh, Stone River, (-orinth, 
Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, Cross Keyes and Port Republic. The 
Seven Days' Retreat, at Groveton, and Gainesville, Second Bull Run, 
Antietam, luka, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Chancellorsville, in the 

3 



34 

Vicksburg campaign, at Gettysburg. Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, 
in the Atlanta Campaign, the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, in the 
Siege of Richmond, at Franklin, Nashville and in many other battles, 
the men who went from this county fought valiantly, and never suifered 
dishonor. Their marches, sieges, battles, great and small, if written, 
would make a long list. Well may you erect this magnificent monu- 
ment in honor of the deedss of your citizen soldiery. 

Where all did so nobly it would be improper, perhaps, to mention 
any individual or command, lest I disparage others. My researches 
have abundantly satisfied me that men who went into the war were 
nearly all of the same stufi". No matter what organization you select, 
no matter where they fought, they were brave and behaved gallantly. 

BETSEY CROGHAN. 

I must mention the old iron gun now in Fort Stephenson Park. 
This is the same gun used in defence of the fort seventy-two years ago 
to-morrow. After the war of 1812, it was sent to the Government 
Arsenal at Pittsburg, Pa. About 1851 or 1852, Price J. Bart- 
lett, well known to all our older people as a prominent lawyer, then 
Mayor of Lower Sandusky — now Fremont — conceived the design of 
procuring the old gun as a relic to be kept at the place it so greatly 
aided to defend. He procured a soldier who helped use the gun in 
Fort Stephenson and who could identify it by some peculiar mark on the 
breech, to go to Pittsburg and identify it. And by persistent effort 
Mr. Bartlett procured the gun to be sent to Lower Sandusky. But 
there were several Sanduskys — Sandusky City, Lower Sandusky, 
Upper Sandusky, etc., and by some mistake the old gun was sent to 
Sandusky City, where, I believe, there never was a battle. But our 
neighbors on the bay took it into their heads to keep the gun. A 
pretty sharp controversy arose in regard to it. The Sandusky City 
people, it is said, to secure the gun against seizure, buried it out of 
sight, instead of defending it. But Brice J. Bartlett was not to be 
easily foiled nor defeated. He employed a detective who went to San- 
dusky and finally learned that the gun was buried and where. There- 
upon Mayor Bartlett, aided by people here, hired a team and men to 
go t<^ Sandusky, and in the stillness of night they uncovered the old 
cannon and brought it away. 

On August 2d, 1852, there was a splendid celebration of Croghan's 
victory here, and old Betsy Croghan had a large part in it and was 
very warmly greeted. 

But how did this gun come to be called Betsy? 

There lived here for many years a Methodist local preacher named 



35 

Thomas L. Hawkins — who was als^o a poet. A volume of his poems 
was published in 1853. August 2d, 1852, he wrote and read a poem 
at the celebration mentioned, being a salutation to this old six-pounder. 
It was he who named the gun Betsy, or Betsy Croghan, at least such is 
the tradition. In another poem on " Colonel Croghan's yictory of 
Fort Stephenson," this poet calls this gun "Our Bess." 

THE SANDUSKY COUNTY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. , 

On April 8th, 1881, the General Assembly of the State of Ohio 
enacted a law authorizing the County Commissioners of any county in 
the State to submit to a vote of the people, at any general election, the 
question whether a tax of not more than one-half mill on the dollar 
should be levied on all property upon the tax duplicate to raise a fund 
wherewith to build a monument or memorial structure to perpetuate the 
memory of soldiers who served in the Union army during the rebellion. 

May 19th, 1882, Eugene A. Eawson Post G. A. R., of Fremont, 
after having had the matter under discussion, appointed a committee 
consisting of R. P. Buckland, R. B. Hayes, G. A. Gessner, S. A. J. 
Snyder, and W. E. Hayues, to take such action as should be deemed 
expedient toward errecting a monument for Sandusky County soldiers. 

Petitions were circulated and numerously signed, asking our 
County Commissioners to submit the question of levying a tax of one- 
half a mill to the people of Sandusky County at the general October 
election, 1882 ; the Commissioners readily granted the prayer of the 
petition and submitted the question to popular vote. The surviving 
soldiers of the county took very lively interest in this matter; but to 
no person is more credit due than to Captain A. F. Price, Commander 
of Eugene A. Rawson Post, and to no association or body is more 
credit due than to the members of that pest. The post held a camp- 
fire on the fair grounds during the county fair in 1882, and by active 
soliciting and public addresses, contributed very largely toward a favor- 
able decision on the question of levying a tax, which was carried at the 
next election — 3,784 votes being cast for the levy and 1,462 against it. 

Afterward it was thought best that a Monumental Association be 
created, and on April 19th, 1883, the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monu- 
mental Association was incorporated, the incorporators being R. B. 
Hayes, R. P. Buckland, W. E. Haynes, J. H. Rhoads, Jno. M. Lem- 
mon, M. E. Tyler and Jno B. Rice. This association organized by 
electing R. P Buckland, president; J. H. Rhodes, vice-president; W. 
E. Haynes, treasurer, and R. B. Hayes, secretary. 

February 4th, 1884, at the suggestion of the County Commis- 
sioners, the matter of building the monument was given entirely into 



36 

the hands of the Monumental Association, and pursuant to an act 
passed April 27, 1884, the Comniibsioners turned over to it the funds 
already raised, amounting to $7,653.19, the association acting in har- 
mony with the Eugene A. Rawson Post. 

The association thereupon invited the submission ot plans, specifi- 
cations and designs for a monument, and appointed September 12th, 
1884, to examine the designs and let the contracts for the construction 
of the monument. 

The design of the New England Granite Works was accepted and 
the contract awarded to that company, the monument to be of Quincy 
granite and the statue of Westerly granite. As a matter of course, 
the site for the erection of the monument was fixed in Fort Stephenson 
Park, which had been purchased by the city of Fremont and dedicated 
to public and patriotic uses some time before. 

February 2d, 1885, the Association met and designated Saturday, 
August 1st, 1885, as the day of unveiling. The monument was com- 
pleted Wednesdfiy, July 29, 1885. 

At the conclusion of Mr. Lemmon's address, General Hayes read 
the letter received from the President in response to the invitation ex- 
tended him to be present, and referring to the celebration of Croghan's 
victory at this place forty-six years ago, read a letter received at that 
time from the gallant defender of Fort Stephenson. The "Battle Cry 
of Freedom " was then sung, and was splendidly rendered as was all 
the music on the occasion. 

LETTER FROM MAJOR CROGHAN. 

St. Louis, July 26, 1839. 

Gentlemiln : — I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 8th inst., 
inviting me on the part of the citizens of Lower Sandusky, to be present with 
them on the coming anniversary of the defence of Fort Stephenson. It is with 
regret that I am, on account of official duties, unable to comply with your kind 
and flattering invitation. In communicating this, my reply, I cannot forbear to 
acknowledge with deep gratitude the honor you confer. To Iiave been with 
those gallant men who served with me on the occasion alluded to, permitted by 
a kind Providence to perform a public duty which has been deemed worthy of 
special notice by my fellow-citizens, is a source of high gratification, heightened, 
too, by the reflection, that the scene of conflict is now, by the enterprise and in- 
dustry of your people, the home of a thriving and intelligent community. I 
beg to offer to you, gentlemen, and through you to the citizens of Lower San- 
dusky, my warmest thanks for the remembrance which you have so flatteringly 
expressed. 

With every feeling of respect and gratitude, yours, 

G. CROGHAN. 

" F. Williams and others, committee." 



37 

Captain Andrew C. Kemper delivered the following poem con- 
tributed by him in honor of the great event : 

FORT STEPHENSON. 



Where dear Sandusky's waters glide 
From storied falls, through meadows wide, 
By verdant hills on either side, 
To seek Lake Erie's famous tide ; 

On proud Fort Stephenson ; 
Where Croghan his laurel chaplet earneil, 
And Freedom's foes a lesson learned, 
A shaft memorial is discerned, 

The soldier's benison. 

God's sunlight kisses ail its faces 
Where glory dresses honor's traces 
And amaranthine ivy graces 
The velvet green about its bases ; 

On proud Fort Stephenson ; 
The sheen of victory from the lake 
Upon its head in shivers break. 
And all a patriot's raptures wake 

In every denizen. 

Here Justice blindfold holds her sway ; 
The scales of God exactly weigh ; 
And Birchard's alcoves well display 
The light of ages far away 

O'er proud Fort Stephenson ; 
While reverent people pause to greet 
The sacred turf beneath their feet. 
And cheer our Union all complete, 

Without com[)arison. 

Whose lips shall make the computation 
Of heartless war's wide desolation, 
The widow's orphan's lamentation, 
Tiie patriot's blood the consecration 

Of Freedom's garrison, 
And tell the costly sacrifice 
For liberties we idolize, 
The deeds the stones immortalize 

Here on Fort Stephenson ! 



38 
II. 

A beaten path\v;iy from the place 
The people's tributes nobly grace 
My quickened fancies deftly trace 
Beyond the city's market space 

Through meads and lovely dells, 
To where beneath the stately elms, 
Unconscious of pretentious realms 
Where vain ambition overvvlielms, 

A soldier's widow dwells. 

Beside her cottage on the lawn, 
As pleased as is her petted fawn, 
She sees the eastern gates withdrawn 
To let the happy morning dawn 

And speed its radiant course, 
In quivering gold and radiant sheaves, 
That glisten on the dewy eaves, 
And beckon from the holly leaves 

Back to their lofly source. 

Thrilling the n)orning's balminess 
Their matins' song of hai)piness. 
The pure delight of childness, 
Is guided by the prophetess, 

While singing birds discourse, 
And lowing herds their joy proclaim 
To join the children and the dame 
Sending the echo of their tlaiue 

Back to its lofty source. 

How nature smiles through all her aisles 
Where love beguiles, and reconciles 
Our earthly drill with heaven's will. 
Softening the ill, and leaving still 

Bright gleams of purest gloi-y ; 
The widow's lot was hard indeed, 
And often made her heart-strings bleed, 
But yet she ne'er forgot the creed 

Of Freedom's bloody story. 

III. 

The weekly round of toil, so drear. 
And then the Sabbath, ever dear. 
With restful voices ringing clear, 
Inviting all to come, that hear, 
And justly worship (lod ; 



39 

The widow with her family, 
Serene in her fidelity, 
Follows with simple piety 
The path so often tmd. 

She husbands all the winding wny 
To turn their thought from work or play 
To themes adapted to the day, 
Delighted when their hearts obey 

The bent her counsels gave them ; 
Nor less she taught them loyalty 
With all a mother's purity, 
Intent that Christ's authority 

From traitor's schemes should save them. 

While through the church the anthem rolled 

Her heart's desires to God were told 

That He with graces manifold 

Their rightful conduct would uphold, 

His banner floating o'er them, 
Its cross of sorrow crimson dyed, 
Its crown of glory sanctified. 
Its streams of love the certain guide 

To all whose hearts adore them. 

And when the sun was in the we^t, 
Benignly sinking to his rest. 
She brought them by her prayers caressed, 
To kneel upon the grassy crest 

W^here stands the monument, 
And, with their faces bathed in light. 
Observe their Sabbath evening rite 
And make the vow their hearts indite 

In faith omnipotent. 

We consecrate ourselves to Thee, 
Our father's God of Liberty, 
By whose immaculate degree 
Thy children are forever free 

Wherever rolls the sun ; 
We pledge our fealty's surety 
The life our father gave to Thee, 
And plead his comrad's chivalry 

That kept our Nation one. 

IV. 

And oft as Sabbath evening came. 
The children kneeling with the dame, 



40 

True to their patriot fatiier's nnine, 
And to their country's rising faiiu', 

Kenew their consecration ; 
And still that head of silvered li;iir, 
Amid the group divinely fair, 
Receives the sunset's golden gl;ue, 

Heaven's loving salutation. 

Hut soon a cloud comes hovering o'er, 
And darkness shrouds the cottage door, 
And from the river's othtr shore 
The voices bid her spirit soar 

Beyond the reign of night ; 
And as she hears the sununons rini;ing 
Tlie cloud is rifted by the singing. 
And angel band* in ha?te are winging 

From iieaven their happy flight. 

The village pastor's blissful prayer 
Seems like a ladder standing thei-e 
O'er which the angels have their care 
To guide aloft the spirit heir 

To her celestial home ; 
And tender hearts that break in sighs 
Rejoice the wondering angels' eyes 
To see how much of paradise 

On earth finds genial room. 

The children's voices chant their song, 
From sadness rising sweet and strong. 
To fly with all the prayer along 
Till seraphs' harps the notes prolong 

And echo through the spheres ; 
They echo through the hearts of men 
To light their filial love again, 
And bid gruff soldiers say Amen ! 

And brush aside their tears. 

How bloom the flowers above her head 
Whose bleeding heart in patience led 
The children of her patriot dead, 
While anxious for their daily bread. 

To God and Liberty ; 
The Genius of our Nation weeps 
Where such a famous mother sleeps. 
And in her heart forever keejis 

Her cherished memorv. 



41 

ileie many come, and many go, 
Anil many heads as white assno^, 
Wiih many chiklren bending low, 
Hepeat the widow's lioly vow, 

On proud Fort Stephenson; 
And everywhere sucli children stand 
Tliere is a trusty, patriot band 
To dedicate our native land 

To Liberty and Union. 

(jencml .Jacob D. Cox, the orator of the day, was then ininxhiced, 
and (h'livered the following address, which was heartily applauded 
throughout : 

ADDRESS OF GENERAL COX. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Sandusky County : — 
You are to be congratulated upon the beautiful monument unveiled to- 
day. Its chaste proportions and solidity of material and construction 
will give you permanent pleasure, and the granite soldier looking down 
from its summit, is a proper guardian for the site of Fort Stephenson, 
one of the most memorable of all our old hi.storic places. 

Monuments have been favorite things with men of all ages. We 
love to mark the times and places of great events and to record noble 
names. We instinctively love to rear something that shall be long 
enduring and shall tell to other times what is the notable thing that has 
been done. 

You have been peculiarly fortunate in having triple cause for 
erecting a monument which must always be a most interesting one by 
reason of these multiplied associations which you have linked together 
in its construction and its site. Each has an interest in itself worthy of 
commemoration; but when you dedicated it at once to the gallant men 
who here defended the flag against a foreign foe and its savage allies, 
to the patriotic citizen soldiers, who fought or fell on the distant battle- 
fields of tropical Mexico, and to the noble host, greatest and noblest of 
all, who, in our own days, offered their lives and their blood to preserve 
the nation against the assaults of a gigantic rebellion, you have made 
it thrice sacred in the eyes of every patriot who may look upon it, and 
have thrice multiplied its interest to every stranger who may stand at 
its base and read the legends you have there inscribed ! 

Then, too, the time of our meeting to celebrate its completion 
gains an added pathos from the fact that the whole country is vocal 
with the memorial tributes of praise and gratitude to the great soldier 



42 

who lies upon his bier at Mount M(;Gregor, and who in his own person 
typifies the military devotion which, from 1861 to 1865, took the 
choicest elements of all the young generation of that day into their 
country's service. They shared his undoubting faith in the righteous- 
ness of the cause. His unconquerable and stubborn valor they 
emulated. His unbending and steadfast will they rejoiced to obey. 
His great abilities as a commander they admired and gloried in. His 
simple citizenship and modest obedience to the laws, when the time 
came to lay down his military power, they imitated. As we dedicate 
the monument to these, his great deeds and great patriotism are in our 
minds and hearts, and in one beautiful act we honor at once our com- 
rades and their great commander 

But I intended to notice briefly in their order the three classes of 
histi-ric men and events to which this granite shaft is consecrated. 

The war of 1812 has often and rightly been spoken of as a sort of 
su]jj)lement to the war of the revolution. When our fathers had ac- 
quired their nominal independence, they were a feeble commonwealth, 
loosely bound together by articles of confederation, which required 
much strengthening before they could become a national constitution 
fit to be the organic and fundamental law of a great nation. America 
had not yet fully won her place among the peoples of the earth. 
Feeble in numbers and in wealth, and with a governmental form which 
the monarchies of the old world believed to be impracticable and tran- 
sitory, it was still an open question whether they would fall under the 
domination of France, which had befi'iended them, or would remain 
practically a colony of the British Empire from which they had rebelled. 
True, the three millions of people who had fought for independence,, 
had in thirty years acquired something more nearly like national pro- 
portions ; but that they could stand alone, could demand and assert 
their rights among the great powers of the world, had not been proven. 
Consequently, the war of 1812 is rightly considered the consolidation 
and finishing of the work of Independence. It decided that we were a 
nation in the true sense of the word, not dependent upon others, nor 
meiely tolerated by them on the face of the earth because oceans rolled 
between us ; but one which had grown to the full stature of matured 
nationality. The seizure of our merchant ships and the imprisonment 
of our seamen by the British, was merely the incident which gave rise 
to a conflict for which the time was ripe and which could not be long 
postponed. Should our independence be a reality or a mere name? 
that was the real struggle which was fought out in those trying years of 
1812 and 1813. 



43 

You are happy in having here in your midst, preserved nearly in 
its original form and appearance by the thoughtful taste which set it 
apart and adorned it as a park, the place of one of those picturesque 
events of war, which, from the very first moment, fastened the public 
attention. It was not necessary to dig it out of oblivion, and there 
was no danger that any one should say that local pride had magnified a 
thing which the world had forgotten. In every history of our country 
it had been caught up by the historian as a brilliant picture with which 
to enliven his pages. Fort Stephenson was from the first a historic 
place, and Major Croghan's defence of it was recognized as a heroic 
thing worthy of being described in the noblest words that history can 
use. 

The second event which this monument commemorates, the war 
with Mexico, was one of the incidents in the long struggle between the 
conflicting systems of labor in the North and South, which finally cul- 
minated in the war of the great rebellion. Xo intelligent student of 
history can, by any means, separate the two. When our children learn 
the meaning of the term Constitutional history, as applied to the first 
century of our national existence and progress, they will understand 
that the vital fact which dominated all others and determined the 
development of our institutions and the struggles of political parties, 
was the irrepressible conflict between Free Labor and Slavery. The 
one was represented by our vigorous. Democratic, progressive North : 
the other had its home in the 'Sunny South,' where it gave to the 
dominant race many elements of power, of elegance, of pride, of men- 
tal and political leadership, but after all, as we believe, fatally crippled 
the State, did dishonor to manhood itself, was a crime against the 
noblest aspirations of humanity, and offered the picture of a people 
fated to ruin by the logical results of its own false doctrines. 

The Mexican war was the desperate, culminating effort on the' 
part of the nation to accommodate and harmonize these two systems. 
We went the whole length of making an unjust war of conquest upon 
a neighboring people in order to give to slavery the 'room and verge' in 
which new slave States might be erected from conquered territory side 
by side with the rapidly increasing northern ones which the hardy free 
pioneers were year by year establishing in the wilds and prairies of the 
great northwest. The vain hope of southern men that the slave system 
could rival free labor in extending empires was thoroughly tested, and 
the opportunity given it to preserve, if it could, that balance of power 
in the Senate by which it had so long ruled the politics of the nation. 

I cannot go further into the history of the war with Mexico than 



44 

thus to indicate its origin and general purpose. It was warmly opposed 
by many of our best men, but when once war Avas declared to be 
flagrant, opposition was silenced by the cry " our country right or 
wrong," and your monument is reared, in part, to do honor to the men 
■who rushed to uphold the flag under the influence of that cry. So 
jealous were most of our people of everything that looked like luke- 
warmness toward the flag, that when one of Ohio's most favored sons, a 
brilliant orator and statesman, in his deep conviction of the injustice 
-and wantonness of the war on our part, gave utterance to a strong 
expression of this feeling in a form that was, perhaps, only a rhetorical 
exaggeration, but which might bear an unpatriotic meaning, he lost 
from that hour his hold upon the popular affection and was forever 
after thrust aside from popular favor. It seemed to prove the turning 
point in his [jublic career and killed him as a political leader. It was, 
some way, inconsistent with the impulsive patriotism that would sustain 
the country in every foreign conflict, and jarred upon the general 
sentiment of the people who refused to inquire into the merits of the 
strife when once an armed collision with a foreign power had begun. 
No wonder, then, that your young men were found side by side with 
those of Mississippi in carrying the flag from Buena Vista and Vera 
Cruz to the City of Mexico!* 

This war marked the high tide of the disposition to yield to the 
•demands of the slave power, and from its close the right of freedom to 
be the ruling principle in the establishment of new States was more 
and more boldly proclaimed and defended. Southern leaders became 
desperate. They repealed all the time-honored compromises and 
■demanded that slavery should be regarded as a national institution, pro- 
tected by the Constitution in all the territories. They procured legisla- 
tion which asserted this, but still they were disappointed. They saw to 
their amazement the marvelous vigor of free-industry take possession 
of California and Kansas; they heard the free farmers of the North 
declare in the election of Lincoln that there should be no more slave 
States created, and they plunged into rebellion and secession in the 
vain hope of dividing the nation they could no longer rule. 

Such, then, are the three periods we have had to consider. First, 
that of the establishment and subsequent consolidation of our national 
independence; second, the sacrifice of life and of honor that was made 
to save the union upon the basis of yielding to the slave power all it 
demanded; and third, the maintenance of national unity in spite of 

"Note— The speech of Thomas Corwin, which is alluded to above, is the one in which 
occurred the famous passage, "If I were a Mexican as I am an American, I would welcome 
the invaders with bloody hands to hospitable graves." 



45 

gigantic rebellion, and with the result of giving freedom to millions of 
sh'.ves. In each effort Sandusky County oflfered its sacriiices, and in 
each there were brave men worthy to be remembered as you are 
remembering them to-day. 

Let us look a little more closely at the condition of the country 
about us in the first of these periods, when Major Croghan performed 
the brilliant exploit which has made his name immortal. 

In 1813 therewasnocity of Fremont. Even Lower Sandusky, as the 
spot was called, had not yet become a civilized town and only marked the 
place where a village of Wyandot Indians had long been known. Fort 
Stephenson covered the pretty knoll now occupied by the City Hall, 
the Birchard Library, and the monument. But what was it? A feeble 
earth Avork surrounded by a ditch and stockade, with a little block- 
house at the southwest corner, which served as a sort of bastion to en- 
filade or sweep the ditch. Its garrison was a mere handful of men, its 
only artillery a single six-pound gun. No legalized white settlement 
had been made on the lake shore in Ohio west of the Cuyahoga River, 
for the treaty boundary with the Indians followed the old trail from the 
new village of Cleveland up the river till it reached the dividing ridge, 
then crosed to the headwaters of the Tuscarawas and followed that 
stream southward to old Fort Laurens. From this point the boundary 
went westward and southward toward Picjua and Greenville, in the 
western part of the State. The tide of civilized migration had only 
lately crossed the Ohio. Cincinnati had been established as a trading 
place about Fort Washington. Dayton and Chillicothe were thriving 
villages, off-shoots from the migration following the lower Ohio valley. 
A beginning had been made at Columbus, but it was not yet the capital 
of the State. At Zanesville a settlement was begun. At Marietta was 
a vigorous colony of New England men who had been the first to make 
a solid foot-hold in the great northwest territory. The Western Reserve 
was marked out and in the hands of the Connecticut Land Company 
eastward from Cleveland. But from the Cuyahoga westward, the 
Indians still held dominant sway. The Wyandots or Hurons were 
the lords of the land. The Six Nations and the Delawares, retreating 
from the east, had here found a temporary resting place. The Sha\\nees 
and the Miamis, crowded back from the South, were sojourning with 
their kindred, the Miamis of the Lake, in the fastnesses of the Black 
Swamp and in the fertile bottoms of the Maumee. Bands of Pottawat- 
tomies were also among them. The treaty had provided for a road 
from Cleveland to Detroit, which had been a fort and settlement from 
the early days of the French occupancy of Canada and the upper 



46 

lakes, and this road, crossing the Sandusky where we now stand, passed 
on to Fort Meigs and Fort Miami, where Perrysburg and Toledo have 
since been built. A reservation to the United States of one mile on 
•eitlier side the road, was more or less occupied by adventurous pioneers, 
but when hostilities with the Indians followed the declaration of war 
with England in 1812, these were soon driven in or destroyed. 

The whole northwestern quarter of the State, therefore, was Indian 
territory, and its tribes, confederated by the genius of Tecumseh, a man 
of no ordinary power, were banded with the red nations of Indiana 
-and the greater west to resist the further advance of the whites. The 
forts were only isolated out-posts in the midst of hostile territory built 
to protect the communications of the array with the more distant posts 
at Chicago and Detroit. For this purpose Fort Stephenson was built 
here at Lower Sandusky, on the hostile side of the river, so that a 
crossing might always be in the power of our troops. Here was the 
promise of a frontier place of importance, both for trade with the 
Indians in time of peace, and a depot of supplies for interior settle- 
ments as they might be formed. In these days of railways we forget 
the navigable connection with the lake which made the foot of the 
rapids the natural place of transshipment for the lake commerce, com- 
ing by the great watery highway of trade from east to west. Viewed 
from the stand point of that time, Lower Sandusky was one of the 
most important posts and promised to be one of the most important 
business centers in northern Ohio. Fort Stephenson, therefore, was 
well and wisely located to give protection to our growing settlements 
and to become the nucleus (jf a vigorous colony. It is only when we 
remember all this that we fully appreciate its military importance and 
the necessity of holding it with a firm and determined grasp. 

The English, taking advantage of the dissatisfaction of the In- 
dians, as they supposed they had the right to do, made alliances with 
them, and gave Tecumseh the rank of a general in their army. Out of 
this alliance grew the great peril of the frontier. Only a little while 
■before, the fort where Chicago now stands had surrendered upon a 
promise of protection to the lives of the garrison by the English ; but 
the savages had disregarded the agreement which the English troops 
were not strong enough to enforce, and the prisoners had been massa- 
cred and scalped. Still more recently a force under Winchester in the 
Maumee Valley had surrendered on the same promise, and these, too, 
had been butchered at the River Raisin. A still more fearful and 
hopeless peril lurked about the cabin door of every white settler in the 
west. Even death by the tomahawk and scalping knife seemed mercy 



47 

itself, compared to the atrocious tortures wliich all the tribes but the 
Wyaudots were in the habit of inflicting upon their captives, and of 
which we have so fearful a picture in the blood-curdling story of tlie 
capture and death of Colonel Crawford a little earlier in our history. 

It may well have been that the expectation of such a fate if they 
surrendered, nerved the hearts and arms of Major Croghan and his 
little garrison here to dare any fate but that, and to resolve to die, if 
need be, but never to be taken. From where we stand, we can see the 
sunlight glancdng from the waters of the river tlirough the hollow below, 
which the British gun-boats landed Just behind the court house there, 
is the gentle rise of ground where Proctor planted his artillery and 
opened his fire upon the fort. Across the very ground where you have 
built the platform, the flag of truce advanced, which summoned 
Croghan to yield to the overwhelming superiority of force, whilst yet 
the English commander could restrain his savage allies. 

And yet even this does not sum up all the discouragements of 
Croghan's position. He had just gone tlirough an ordeal almost as try- 
ing to a proud spirited officer as to surrender to a foe. The department 
was under the command of a wise and brave man, who both before and 
afterward signalized his courage and his skill, General William Henry 
Harrison. He had been for a short time at Upi)er Sandusky, hasten- 
ing the assembling of a little army with which he hoped to take the 
aggressive, and was sorely disappointed by the slow rate at which his 
reinforcements could thread the paths of the new country. Three or 
four hundred dragoons were all he had when the news of Proctor's 
expedition reached him. A regiment from Kentucky was on its way, 
but had not yet arrived. A brigade was organizing on the Reserve 
under General Simon Perkins, but was not yet ready to take the field. 
It seemed wiser to Harrison to avoid fighting until his force was greater, 
and as the garrison at Fort Stephenson was a mere handful compared 
to the advancing enemy, he ordered Croghan to evacuate the place and 
join him. Such a command often seems to a young officer to imply a 
suspicion of his valor or his capacity, and stung, perhaps, by this view 
of it, Major Croghan sent back a reply which well nigh cost him his 
commission : " We are able to hold the place, and, by heaven, we 
will !" He was relieved of the command and ordered to Harrison's 
headquarters in arrest, but when the general saw the man and knew 
that his confidence was that of true courage and no mere vaporing, he 
easily accepted the explanation that the terras of Croghan's reply had 
been worded with the expectation that the dispatch might fall into the 
enemy's hands, and in that case he wished to impress them with the 



48 

danger of an assault. We may well doubt whether this was not merely 
a convenient interpretation to reach an understanding which both 
officers desired, but it served its purpose and Harrison sent back the 
young hero to resume his defence, just as the British entered the river. 
The portrait which President Hayes has placed in the Library, and 
which now adorns the stand, well bespeaks the character of young 
Croghan and his singular beauty of person. Only twenty-one years of 
age, full of the hardy courage of the frontier, an experienced woods- 
man, closely connected with George Kogers Clarke, the most striking 
figure in the military annals of the northwest territory, you cannot look 
upon that face without feeling that it represented one of nature's noble- 
men, full of intellect and feeling, as well as of soldierly courage and 
hardihood. It was a happy conjuncture for his country when the time 
and the man thus came together. 

I cannot stop to relate all the details of the fight. What need ! 
They are better known to you than to me. The hot cannonade stub- 
bornly endured without reply, — the midnight transfer of the single gun 
into the blockhouse when it could rake the ditch at the point the con- 
centrated fire indicated as Proctor's place of assault, — the weary con- 
tinuance of the skirmishing through another day — the gathering of the 
foeman's columns in the dusk of evening, — the rush, the fierce clamor 
of the assault while the savage war whoop echoed through the sur- 
rounding forest^ — the red-coats swarming in the ditch — the unmasking 
of the blockhouse gun and its quick dischai'ge, loaded to the muzzle 
with bullets, iron scraps, and nails, — the dismay of the enemy, the 
carnage, the fall of the leaders, the retreat, the shouts of victory in the 
little garrison now covered with glory, — all these things you remember, 
and the monument you have erected is to commemorate them! 

Such monuments tell much more than the few words which are 
engraved upon them. They provoke our children to inquire what they 
mean, and to draw out from us the full history of the olden time The 
children of Israel were commanded to sprinkle the blood of the pass- 
over upon their door posts and to eat the paschal lamb with their loins 
girt as if for travel, and when their children asked what all this meant, 
they were to tell how the Lord brought them out of Egypt. Let our 
soldiers' monuments do the like for us, and may they incite unborn 
generations to learn the story of their fathers' conflicts in "times that 
tried men's souls." The Fort Stephenson fight was typical of its period. 
It was at once part of the final struggle for independence, and a type of 
the desperate conflict of the frontiersman with savage hordes, with wild 
beasts, and with the unsubdued wilderness itself. 



49 

In the war with Mexico, our soldiers met with a very different ex- 
perience. They did not have the stimulus of self-preservation, of fight- 
ing for home and in defence of the dear ones under the cabin roof. 
They Avent beyond the limits of their own country into a tropical region 
of which they knew next to nothing, to meet an enemy against whom 
they could not feel any deep antagonism, and whose defence of their 
own land they could not but respect. There was something of the 
excitement of romance, and fighting itself gives to the soldier the zeal 
for concjuest; yet the prevailing motive must have been that of duty 
with but little inclination to the task. Their country called them, and 
without inquiring if the country was right or wrong, they obeyed the 
call. Captain Thompson and Captain Bradley bravely led your San- 
dusky County young men, and the soldiers' monument honors their 
memory as well as that of their fathers, or their sons, who fell in con- 
flicts, which the judgment of history puts on a higher plane of neces- 
sity and of right. 

But it was the great struggle of our own time whose memories 
chiefly moved you to erect this monument; a struggle that was to 
determine whether we had a land worth living in. In thinking of it, 
we are lost in its magnitude. Your interest in it is not limited to a 
single brilliant event like the defence of the fort, or to a few scattered 
soldiers who went forth from your midst; but every township, almost 
every family, was so fully represented that the history comes home to 
every farm house, and the story is that of the joys and griefs of the 
whole community. 

The statistical history which Captain Lemmon has read to you, is 
simply astonishing in its long array of figures and of tables. Yet never 
were figures more interesting. Indeed, they are more eloquent than 
words. They gather up the results of your efforts in the great contest 
with a cumulative power which makes us hold our breath as we try to 
realize how the young life, the wealth, the energy and the industry of 
the whole people were thrown into the struggle without reserve and 
without even counting the cost. It was not only that the young men 
who enlisted from the county numbered by thousands ; that the regi- 
ments and organizations in which they served must be reckoned by 
scores ; that their valor was shown on so many fields that there was 
neither room nor time to enumerate them ; but besides this, what a 
wonderful array it was of the labors of our noble and patriotic women 
at home to relieve the sufferings of the soldier in the field and in the 
hospital ! In the face of such a grouping of the items which make up 
the overwhelming total of your county's share in the great cause, any 



50 

sketch of it as a whole which I could give would seem vain and meager. 
Let me confine myself, therefore, to bearing some personal testimony to 
the brave conduct of your soldiers, as faintly illustrating points here 
and there in their military history. 

They served in so many campaigns in all parts of the great theati'e 
of war, that no one who had himself been in the army, could fail to 
recall scenes in which his own experience was not theirs also, and of 
which he could not give a comrade's account. As I heard the names of 
persons and of regiments read, I found myself saying, step by step, 
that regiment I have seen in action; that other regiment was with me 
at such a place ; this one I met on such a famous field ! Indeed, it 
turns out as I listen to the story, that there is scarcely a month, nay, 
scarcely a day from the beginning to the end of the war, in which I 
cannot say I was a witness to the soldierly devotion (^f the good men of 
Sandusky County. 

At President Lincoln's first call to arms, when he asked for 
seventy-five thousand volunteers to preserve the nation's existence, your 
towns responded promptly, and two full companies were embodied in 
the Eighth Ohio regiment. I remember that early gathering of Ohio 
soldiers as if it were yesterday ! They came to Columbus without 
uniforms, without arras, with haversacks which mothers and sisters 
had hastily made and filled with provisions for the first march. They 
slept upon the stone floor of the State House, and made its arches ring 
with their prayers and h3'mns, which mingled with the martial din of 
drum and fife! From the halls of the legislature they wrote home their 
first letters and renewed their consecration for life or death to their 
country's cause. 

The Eighth Ohio reported to me at Camp Dennison, where they 
learned the rudiments of soldier life. They were fresh from the villages 
and the farms. They were of that thrifty and well-to-do class of Amer- " 
icans who had been used to comforts approaching to luxury. They had 
been well housed, but now they must find shelter in a fence corner till 
they could carry the plank and build their rude barracks upon the 
company street of their camp. They had been used to the abundant 
tables of well-cooked food which their mothers had spread for them, 
but now they must draw their uncooked rations of a few simple articles 
of coarse food, and spoil many a meal before they could learn the neces- 
sary art of camp cooking. Later, I saw them in West Vii'ginia, learn- 
ing in that mountain region to make long and hard marches ; to be 
ever on the alert in a guerilla warfare, and to become hardy, brave and 
self-reliant soldiers. There they laid the foundation for the soldierly 



51 

character which they afterward showed at the second battle of Bull 
Run, at Chancellorsville, at Gettysburg, and in the AVilderness, under 
that gallant soldier and officer, Spriggs Carroll. 

How was it with some of the rest? The Seventy-second regiment 
contained the greatest number of Sandusky County men, eight of its ten 
companies being raised here. Hardly organized, they were pushed for- 
Avard, while yet green, to Southern Tennessee, where, at Shiloh, in 
Sherman's division, and under your respected fellow-citizen. Colonel 
Buckland, as their brigade commander, they bravely met the foe, and 
were riddled by rebel bullets on that famous sixth of April, 1862. 
Early that morning, at the beat of the ' long roll,' they were in their 
places, ready to do all that men could do to beat back the rushing onset 
of the Confederate army. They were not surprised, asleep in their 
tents, as it was for a time the fashion to tell the story, but by Buckland's 
watchful courage the attack was anticipated and prepared for as fully 
as an inferior force could prepare. Overpowered by numbers and far 
out-flanked, they were slowdy driven back, yielding only step by step, 
and ever turning in good order to face the foe, from early morn in o- till 
sunset, proving themselves worthy of the good leaders who commanded 
them. With nightfall came Buell's army, with others of the Sandusky 
County boys in its ranks, and on the morrow Grant, strong in his rein- 
forcements, led them to decisive victory. 

It was not my fortune to see them there, but quite late in the war 
I saw the little remnant of the regiment in one of the noblest feats of 
arras of which our history tells. It was in the battle of Nashville, near 
the right of General Thomas' line, on the second and decisive day of 
that important battle. The Confederate army had entrenched a long 
line of hills running east and west, then turning sharply southward in 
front of our right. In the angle was a high knoll, since famous as Shy's 
hill, and in the hollow before it, crowding in front of the trenches, 
which had been pushed close to the enemy upon the opposite slope, 
was McMillan's brigade, containing what was left of your Seventy- 
second. It was my fortune to be beside General Thomas, that after- 
noon, at the time the signal for the final assault was given, and we were 
awaiting the movement which iSIcMillan was to begin. In a moment 
the dark line moved forward up the hill, rushing impetuously as they 
neared the top, where they were lost to view in the great white puffs of 
cannon smoke as the enemy's batteries opened upon them. But we 
heard a thundering cheer that was not a "rebel yell" and knew that 
tiie gallant charge was a success, and that Hood's line was broken ! To 
right and to left the Union ranks had also charged in generous emula- 



52 

tion of the little brigade that had led, and the whole Confederate array 
broke away in disorganized rout, the lines of blue rushing over them 
pell-mell ! Among those who went forward in that leading line were 
boys who had gone from the farms and shops of Sandusky County. 
Some may be here to-day, blushing to hear their praises sounded, or 
tearfully recalling the noble comrades who fell in the fierce assault. 
Vividly it all comes back as we look across the twenty years that inter- 
vene, and we dream we still hear the "tramp, tramp, tramp," as "the 
boys are marching ! " 

Again, I find you were represented in the Hundredth and Hun- 
dred-and-Eleventh Ohio. What of them ? I think I can tell you inci- 
dents of their career which came under my own eye and which will 
prove them worthy comrades of the rest. My personal acquaintance 
with them began in the winter of 1863-4, in East Tennessee, when they 
had served under Burnside in the siege of Knoxville, and had taken 
part in the repulse of the famous assault by Longstreet, a combat as 
desperate and decisive as that which raged in the ditch of Fort Stephen- 
son here, but where the combatants counted as many thousands as here 
they counted scores. When I took command of the Twenty-third army 
corps in December, they were part of it, and in thinking of that time 
memory recalls scenes of heroic endurance of privation, and patriotic 
devotion under trying circumstances, such as have rarely been matched. 

We have, all our lives, been used to admire the constancy and 
shudder at the sufferings of the soldiers of our first great Revolution, 
under Washington at Valley Forge. Their camp of log huts in the 
midst of the winter snows ; their scant clothing ; their marching over 
frozen ground, leaving the prints of their feet in blood, are incidents 
which have justly been used to prove their heroism and boundless love 
of country. But I am within the limits of strictest truth when I say 
that in that winter in East Tennessee every feature of these sufferings 
was literally repeated and some of them intensified. Let me try to 
give you a single picture. On New Year's eve, of 1804, a terrible 
cyclone of frosty wind swept down from the north-west over the whole 
valley of the Ohio and Tennessee, reaching and searching with its blasts 
the whole region to the base of the Great Smoky mountains of North 
Carolina. From a mild evening on the 31st of December, the ther- 
mometer fell in a single hour to zero. It struck the little army in East 
Tennessee when they were in the worst possible condition to resist its 
influence. During the siege of Knoxville they had been shut out from 
all communication with their base of supplies, and when the siege was 
raised and Longstreet retreated, the winter had set in, and the long 



58 

mountain roads across Tennessee and Kentucky to the Ohio riv'er were 
impassable. Chattanooga also had been beleaguered, and no supplies 
could come by that route. Clothing was worn out, the comiiiissariat 
was exhausted, and the troops had to live upon the scanty food that 
could be bought or got by foraging in the co\intry. Their tents were 
in rags, and what was left of them had to be taken for clothing. The 
activity of the enemy forbade the building of cantonments, and the 
men had to bivouac in the open air, sheltered only by such booths as 
they could hastily make from the limbs of trees. On that New Year's 
morning, the morning of happy greetings and general joy the whole 
civilized world over, I went down through the camp to say such cheer- 
ful or hopeful words as I could to our suffering men. I found them 
huddling about the camp fires in every stage of raggedness and destitu- 
tion. Few had overcoats, some had no coats at all, many had no shoes, 
and one poor fellow without pantaloons and with an old blanket pulled 
around him like a petticoat, was roasting a few grains of corn he had 
collected and washed from the dung where the mules stood. To my 
sympathetic greeting he answered, "It's pretty rough, General, but 
we'll see it through ! " And that was the spirit that pervaded that 
whole camp. They would see it through ! Aye, and right nobly they 
made good their words. Their first term of enlistment was near expir- 
ing, but Abraham Lincoln, in the name of the country, had called upon 
the veterans to re-enlist, and in the very depth of that time of distress 
we heard the cheers arising from one and another of the regimental 
camps, as they completed the organization of the regiment for another 
"three years or the war!" I challenge history to produce any- 
where another such example of absolute devotion to a country and 
a cause! You will not wonder that I am proud to meet here again 
comrades who were thus tried and not found wanting, nor that it is a 
satisfaction to remember that that was the beginning of two year's close 
a?sociation with such men, reaching through the constant fighting of 
the Atlanta campaign; through that most bitter of all fights, the battle 
of Franklin; through the campaign of Nashville, and another upon the 
coast of North Carolina, till it was our good fortune to receive the sur- 
render of General Joe Johnston at Greensboro, almo.st upon the battle- 
field of one of the historic engagements of the Revolutionary war. 

But the list is far from being ended. Your men were in the Fifty- 
fifth also, under Colmel Lee. With these I served in that first moun- 
tain campaign of West Virginia, to which I have already referi-ed. I 
saw them again when they came back to Washington at the close of 
Pope's campaign of l.S()2. They had served under Fremont in the 



54 

Shenandoah; tliev liad fouglit gallantly " with Siegel " at the second 
Bull Kun, and were still to give proof of their soldierly quality at 
Chanoellorsville and at Gettysburg. Again, I met them in Georgia, 
at Resaeea, and can attest their good service till, Atlanta taken, they 
marched away to the sea with Sherman. 

Then there was Gibson's Forty-ninth, which had seen its first ser- 
vice under Robert Anilerson in Kentucky ; had marched with Buell to 
Grant's relief at Shiloh; had fought under Rosecrans at Stone River; 
had gone through the fire at Chiekamauga; had shared the glory of 
Mission Ridge, and had then come to our relief at Knoxville, thence- 
forth to be part of the same grand army with us, so that to them also I can 
truthfully say, we are not strangers, but brothers-in-arms, and I have 
been a pergonal witness to your patriotism and your glory! 

Even with some who were not called upon to perform the more 
aiduous and perilous duties of the field it was my fortune to be associ- 
ated for a little while, and to learn that there were duties which could 
be honorably performed that were quite as necessary as any that we did 
elsewhere. In the fall of 18(i3 an alarm sounded through the country 
that John Morgan's men, who had escaped to Canada, were organizing 
a descent upon the military pris(ni at Johnson's Island, in Sandusky 
bay, and I was sent there in haste, by the Secretary of War, to provide 
for its defence. There I found the Hoffman batallion, the nucleus of 
what became the Hundred and twenty-eighth Ohio, in which you were 
also represented. I do not know whether your Sandusky County con- 
tingent had then joined that regiment, but I do know the character of 
the delicate and responsible duty they performed there, in guarding 
the Confederate officers to whom that military prison was assigned. ^Jo 
charges of unnecessary severity can be made against them ; no suspicion 
of remissness of duty or unfaithfulness to their trust ever tarnished 
their fame. They did their duty well and faithfully when they were 
assigned to do it, and for such, as well as the others, your monument 
is reared. 

To a considerable number of your young men befell that saddest of 
all fates, to fall into the hands of the enemy and undergo the horrors 
of the prison-pen at Andersonville. As so large a proportion of your 
volunteers were in the Seventy-second regiment, and as the lamentable 
affair atGuntown, Mississippi, resulted in the capture of many of them, 
you have as a community been forced to know more of the miseries 
worse than wounds, worse, a thousand fold worse, than death on the 
battle-field, which came to those who lost their liberty while fighting for 
their country. God forbid that I should stir up the embers of .strife 



55 

over the responsibility for the condition of the prisoners in that place 
of doom, worse than any scene in the Inferno that Dante has pictured. 
I deal only with the historical fact that your brothers and sons suffered 
there such horrors that those who died quickly were to be deemed 
happy, and that they are those whom we may not forget or pas.s by 
when we speak of those whom this monumental shaft shall commemo- 
rate. Neither is it my province to criticise the conduct of the affair in 
which they were captured. We came to bury them, and to record 
their sufferings for their country, not to accuse any as its cause, whether 
friend or foe. 

As I could speak from my own knowledge of the glorious career 
of so many of your friends, so, alas, in the strange experiences of the 
war, I was forced to see the terrible results of imprisonment at Ander- 
sonville and Salisbury, upon men who had been models of physical 
strength and mentnl endurance, toughened by months and years of life 
in the field. In North Carolina, in the spring of 1865, it became my 
duty to receive a train load of our soldiers who came from the Confed- 
erate prisons, and were handed over in exchange for some which Sher- 
man's army had captured. Among them may well have been some of 
your own neighbors, for they came from the prisons where your men of 
the Seventy-second had been confined. Emaciated beyond recognition 
by the mothers that bore them; mere skeletons, without the strength to 
free themselves from the dirt in which they lay ; the intelligence gone 
out of their faces, they hardly seemed to be human beings. Their 
famished and diseased condition was such that the most trifling injury 
became gangreened and ulcerous. Starvation and sickness had broken 
down the minds of many of them, and they gazed vacantly, with almost 
idiotic stare, out of the car windows, unable to comprehend that liberty 
had come to them and that tender nursing and care awaited them, but 
they seemed indifferent to all that happened, and not to know or care 
whither they were going. Too utterly broken down even to respond 
by a look to the stirring i-etrain of your camp song which promised 
they 'should breathe the air of freedom once again," they could not 
comprehend that they were no longer captives. Our surgeons strove to 
stimulate them by asking the names of fathers, of mothers, of brothers, 
of sisters — to remind them of home and give them new life by making 
them tell of the comforts and affection awaiting them. Many were too 
far gone even for this, and could give but a blank, demented stare 
in response. Not a few 'died and made no sign,' not even arousing 
enough to know that they were free or to give the name that might be 



56 

put upon the head-board of their grave. ' Unknown' was all that could 
be written there ! And for those that did recover, the way was as a 
path out of the valley of the shadow of death. With little doses of 
good nourishment, and with skillful medical treatment, they came 
slowly back to life to tell a story of horrors endured for their country's 
cause such as would have been thought the mad invention of delirium 
if their pitiful physical condition had not borne witness to the unspeak- 
able things they had endured. 

With all these things in our minds, can we doubt that this monu- 
ment will teach its le.^son to your children, and your children's children 
coming after you? Will they not hang breathless on the tale as you 
repeat to them the gallant deeds and the heroic sufferings of your valiant 
soldiers, the dead and the living? Will not the lesson, that men can 
thus do and die for their country, be one worth teaching, and that will 
make them nobler and better in their generation than if they had not 
succeeded to such a priceless heritage? 

I have spoken in the main of your soldiery by classes and by 
organizations, and their great numbers forbade any more particular or 
detailed mention. Yet I would not close without reference to some of 
the greatly distinguished names, fit to be associated in military com- 
radeship with the great captain who led to victory at Donelson, at 
Shiloh, at Vicksburg, at Mission Ridge. A soldiers' monument speaks 
for both commanders and men, and the true soldier glories quite as 
much in the fame of his general who led him as in his own courage or 
in the battle-rent colors of his regiment. It is thus, as I have already 
said, that the memory of Grant comes promptly to the mind, and his 
name to our lips on such an occasion. It is thus that every soldier who 
fought his way to Atlanta, or marched down to the sea, will involun- 
tarily swing his hat for Sherman, as he fights his battles o'er again. 
Those who wore the badges of the Army of the Cumberland will tell 
the listener how little the bravery of the line would, at times, have 
counted, had not the 'Rock of Chickamauga,' Thomas, been there with 
cool head and immovable will to guide the fight. 

But you need not go to a distance for examples of this true leader- 
ship which your monument will honor and commemorate with that of 
Croghan in the old fight of Fort Stephenson. A few miles away, in the 
southern part of your county, repose the ashes of as good a soldier, as 
chivalrous a leader, as gallant a gentleman, and as pure a man, as ever 
fell upon the battle-field. And if a fitting monument specially marks 
the place where he rests, as it should do, still no soldier of Sandusky 



57 

County will fail to claim that this general raeniorial of your martial 
virtue is, in part, also dedicated to McPherson. And as the inscrip- 
tions upon its base have, with wisdom and justice, been so worded as to 
include your living as well as your dead soldiers, may I not mention, as 
a worthy representative of the survivors, one who not only has your 
esteem and love as a neighbor and friend, but whom the people of Ohio, 
and again those of the United States, have called successively to the 
highest executive duties and position? I trust General Hayes' modesty 
will not too greatly suffer if I close my personal reminiscences of San- 
dusky County soldiers with an incident that he has lasting cause to 
remember; and which, like the rest I have related, occurred under my 
own eye. To all who served in the old "Kanawha Division," its name 
and fame are dear, for in it they took the first hard lessons of a soldiers' 
duty in the rugged hills of West Virginia, and in it they felt the glad 
thrill of pride when, on first proving their metal beside the veterans of 
the Army of the Potomac, they found they had no cause to blush for 
the results of their training in mountain warfare. The Twenty-third 
Ohio, with Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes in command, was part of that 
division, and in the battle of South Mountain, which opened the cam- 
paign of Antietam, in September, 1862, was in the front line. The 
enemy held the crest of the ridge at Turner's gap, behind a stone wall, 
up to which, over meadows and corn fields, the charge was made. We 
noticed, as we advanced, how the perfect range of the hostile guns made 
the curve of the canister shot fit the slopes of the hill, and cut the turf 
with the sound of a knife cutting the rind of a water-melon. We 
noticed, too, that the crash of the shrapnel in the bit of woods behind 
us sounded as if the trees were made of some ' brash ' and brittle stuff 
with no fiber in it; but the unflinching line went forward with a cheer, 
in a real bayonet charge. By one of the coincidences of war, the 
Twenty-third Ohio was oppo.sed by the Twenty-third North Carolina, 
which held the wall. On dashed the Ohio boys through the fiery storm 
and carried the crest, driving its defenders in confusion from it. And 
though your neighbor languished long, by reason of the wound under 
which he fell as the wall was gained, and though his good wife had a 
sad and weary task in finding her way to the camp hospital hid away 
under the shadow of the Catoctin mountain, where he was carried, I 
venture to say they both look back to that time with a glow of pride 
and satisfaction to-day, realizing that it is a blessed thing to have served 
the country, even at such a cost. 

Everywhere, at every church, in every gathering, in town and in 



.)8 

country, you may meet tl)e men with empty t^leeve or haltinu' upon n eiuteh. 
Often they seem anxious to hide their crippled condition, as if it were 
no honor to have sacrificed a limb for the nation's cause. It is for you 
to make them feel that you honor them as heroes, ixnd know that they 
would show the same noble devotion a2,ain if the occasion should arise. 
The same memory of the spontaneous sclf-sacriiice of the <ireat war-time 
shouhl si)f'ten and ttMuper all fierce [)tditical [)artizaiiship, as wc think 
liow universal was this willingness of the whok' people to n'ive their best 
treasures, without stint, when a real ]>eril was tiirealeiiing the land. 
The spirit may slumber, but it is theie still, and should give us an 
abiding faith that ouv countrymen, howt'vcr they may ditiei- trom iis 
upon some exciting (jucstion of the time, are true and faitlitul in their 
loyal patriotism anil worthy of fraternal confidence. 

This monument may thus teach us a broader lesson than we had 
thought. It is a witness of the devotion of a whole people to national 
institutions that are founded upon the right of every man to his own 
liberty, and to the fruits of his own free labor. A solid respect for the 
liberty and property that each has acquired under the safe protection 
of the laws, would seem to remove all danger of future social convul- 
sions and revolutions. Men may talk of antagonisms between classes; 
between capital and labor; between rich and poor; but since the 
inalienable right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" has 
been extended to every citizen, of whatever race, by the sacrifices and 
the blood of the noble host which this shaft shall keep in remembrance, 
we cannot doubt the permanence of a government which is based upon 
this broad foundation of human liberty. 

INIay the monument then, in pointing to the struggles of the past, 
lit us for better citizenship in the future. May its lesson be not only 
one of sympathy for great suffering, of admiration for noble conduct, 
or even of emulation for self-sacrifice, but may it also teach that true 
republicanism can only be built upon purity of character, honesty of 
purpose, and real brotherhood of feeling. If we learn this, the bitter- 
ness of the j)asi will be forgotten, and only its expanding and ripening 
influences be renuMubered. One interest and one sentiment will bind 
together South and North, and all will unite in the fervent piayer for 
one great Republic, eMo perpdiia. 

When the cheers which followed subsideil, (general Hayes remarked : 
There is an old adage, that " time and tide wait for no man." A rail- 
road train W'aits neither for man nor woman, therefore we must bring 
these exercises to a speedv conclusion. General Hayes then inti'oduced 





MEDAL AWARDED TO 

MAJOR GEORGE CROGHAN, 

BY CONGRESS, 
For his ((allanl clelence of Fori Steijhei)sf>ii. 



59 
SENATOR JOHN SHERMAN, 

Who was greeted with great applause. He said : I have listened with 
great satisfaction to the able address read by Captain Lemmon and the 
elociuent speech of General Cox, and many thoughts were suggested by 
them and by the interesting ceremonies we had the honor of witnessing 
to-day, but in view of the lateness of the hour, I hope you will excuse 
me from saying anything. I thank you heartily for your greeting, and 
hope that at some time or other I may be able to serve you. 
General Hayes then introduced 

SENATOR HENRY B. PAYNE, 

Who was greeted with ap|)lause and said: 1 have been delighted with 
your exercises to-day. The speech of General Cox was admirable iu 
thought and well delivered. I wish to throw out anothei' idea. Great 
as the sacrifice of precious life was during our late civil war it is a fact 
that the irrepressible antagonism between slavery and freedom never 
would have been settled in this world short of a civil war. The North 
would not give and the South would not accept compensation for the 
loss of slaves, even during the second and third years of the war. The 
great struggle for the unity of the States and the i)erpetuity of the 
nation ended finally iu the liberation of the slaves, and thus the greatest 
obstacle to the growth and greatness of this nation has been removed 
by civil war. 

You, ladies, have contributed to it. Vou, citizens of Sandusky 
County, have contributed men and money for this great war, but you 
have been repaid a thousand times. Never could this nation have 
been what it is if slavery had not been extinguished. There is no 
longer any great danger for the future of our country. 

A few thoughts more: Not only has slavery been abolished and 
this fearful sacrifice 'of war closed, but, thank God, every sword is 
sheathed between the citizens of this country. That assurance gave 
General Grant great consolation and joy in the last hours of his life. 
He rejoiced to know that North and South were again fraternally 
citizens. This period is great and glorious. We are a reconstructed 
republic with a prestige and power and glory. As proof of this 
fraternal feeling contem[)late the people of this country, who, withcmt 
distinction of section, color, or sex ; ex-soldiers, Union or Confederate,. 



CO 

arc lit t.liirt vory hour siMiii;^ liy tlic j^frnvcwif (iciicral <ii;iiil, \\rc|iiii;^ hh 
JdHllH vvopl. nt tli<' ^riivc (»(' Lii/iiriis, (»r like MiiiIIim iiihI I'llcr ill llic 
grave. oC tlicir luvsl rrK'nd. 

If. Ih (IikHo f.lic. niciiiurv of tiic dcid tli;il yoii .'^lioiild ('uinrnciiionit.c 
llicir ii(il)ir drcds. Wdl iiol lliis iMinililul sIimI'I tell In liiliirc l.itiH-, l.o 
Hiicco.ssivc ^ciicrididii.^, I.lio Hlory oC llinsc l)nivr (ncii id" Sjuidiinky 
County '(* It will (•ontiMiic, an loii^ aw l,li(! coiirdry hIui.II IjisI,. Dcicora- 
tidll Day will kff\t :\\\\r llw sloiy (d' (lie |»ii.st. 'riiiil. will liisl. lis l"ii;^ 
an IIiIh nnioii hIimII last, mid Id, iih liopc llnd, I. his niiioii .shall IimI lor yon 
and your (diildrcn, even until the second coming' of (!lirisl. 

(lAI'TAIN .loSlini !'.. I''()i;/\KI':K' 

w'liM llicii iiiliddiici'd liy (icii(i:il I l;i yes as one who, iil llic l»(>jjjiniiin}j; ol 
llic war, was l.oo yoiiiii; l,o 1m' iiii oHiccr, and ihcrcd'oic c;irrie<| a. kna-p 
Ha<d<. I lo waH rocoivcd wiih an oxalion id' cheers, and spoke siihsla.n 
lially a.M folio wh : 

My I'^iom-ow ( 'ijt/.ionm: I wish I could maki' lil.lini^ response !.o 
Hiicli a cordi.'il ;j;ree(.iiii^. Under oilier ciri'iinislances i| would he a 
fjCrcal pleasure lo talk to yon al. some Jcnj/jh, hnl, in view of llui laicncsrt 
•of llic hour, and in vi;nv of'llie ('a<'( ol which we Inivo Iteen told, and ho 
well nndersliirid, Ihal railroad trains do not. wait lor man or woman, it 
would not lie proper lor me lo detain you at any length. I simply 
thank yon lor the oppiirtnnity yon have alliirded me to mingle and 
jiartieipatc with yon on so interestiiiu; an occa.«ion as this. It is always 
a pleasure to me |,o hel|) dedicate monuments that are erected to the 
iiK^mory of our soldiers, not simply heeanse thc^y pirrpeMiatc^ tli(> fact 
tlint our soldiers were liravi' men, who heroically siiIIIm<mI :ind I'liAe up 
their Mvcm Tor llieir country; not simply ltecau.se, as the result, ol that 
l^reat Hlrum;le, the system of slave lalxn- was wiped out; hut rat.lier 
hccan.se the .American I'liion (d' States was pre.scrv<'d, a n.'itionality 
based upon the idcMi)!' human liberty and e(pial riii;lil.s lor all mankind, 
'riiia 19 the ideii lliMt we broiijrht out of that war, .'iiid it. is Iho i^raiub^Ht 
idea, that, we di<l brine' out. Let us cherish it and cultivate it. irthcre 
in one tiling oC \vhi(di we. are more proud than another, it is that, of 
which Senator I'ayne has spoken. We appreei:ite that our victory was 
the vii'tory of the whole country. L(d us <'h(aish this idea and ^o for- 
ward with hope, and in the Int. nn' reap that jjjreiit. and hij^h position 
that is in slnre for I he ,\meiicMii people. 

<Jeneriil llaycH then said: "To the men who tell about u^ood 



thiiil^s (luiic, we owe nliiiosl 
will ililindiicf III yoii 



(!1 



llllll'll a ! Ill llic IIKMI wlliiljo l.llCIII. L 



MA.ioK w. w. Ai:Msri;()N(;, 



of I lir ( 'Irvi'ljlliil I'lii'ni Ihiilrr. 

Laimiim ani> < I i;n'I'I-i;mi;n : I rliiini (o lie mic of Ijic old |iiiiiiiTrH 
(»r llic SjiriduHky \'Mllry. 'riiiity-l.vvo yciiirH ii|;o, I lliiiik I iju iiof, 
propusc l,(» ;^ivc iiiyMcIf iivvay iis Ut my iij^d — (ln(i):;lil»'r) in ripiii|P!iiiy willi 
(J»!Mcr:il .1. ( '. Lee, I caiiic (iitiii Tidiii to I.Iki lown of rnniiuiil, lo iiHHiHl, 
ill niiiiiiii^z; It liaiiil ('iiL'iiic a,l a^ (M'jc.briilioii ol" < ■fof/liiiii'-i viclory Iiit(i. 
VVc liail a ^iKiil l.iiiic aiiioii[.';Ml, oiirHi'-lvoH in I.Ik! <liiy liiiir, ami in I lio 
rvciiiiin; wil.ii l.iic ^irJH. | Laiij^Iil.cr. ] 

Now I.Ik' ^'cntlcinrn liavc Itccii H|H'ai<iiij.'; oC i.'allanl, snMicis, rt'CiT- 
riiifi; Id ( Jcni'ial UiirUanil, ex rrfHidriil llayrH ami olIicrH. I wani lo 
(•(ill !i(.t<'iit,ii(ii l,() llic liut, llial, s(!V(!nil of IJki iiiohI, Iwnvc jiikI )j;iillaii(. 
iiicii ol' SaniliiHky (/'oiiiity have, nol, yd hccii incnrioiicd. I icIcr lo 
(Jcncial I'lal.iin and lo IVIajor-^ Jciicial .las. I». McI'Ikuhoii, IIh' lalli'iof 
wlioiii wan (icticral <iraiil'H i'i;^lil arm man. Anollicr l»niv(! mini of 
IJk! sainc iK^ijflihorliood wIki wciiI inio lIu', IOIhI. < )liio, wmh Ivi-Miidcr 
Sirm. Ill' is llic man llial told Ihm hoys lo Hiaiid iiji lor llic lionoi ol 
iJic good old Slalc of ( )liio. 

Tlicii Llicrc i.M n,iiol,li(;r );a,llan(. Holdicr with whom 1 dilli'i in |iolil,icH 
and [H'ilm|»s in rclij^ioii, yol. I (^oiiHidcr him iJic jj;iillaiil,cMl, Holdicr of all 
tluH i'(;gioii, and IiIh name is General I'ill (liliHon. | ( llicciH. | 

liiidicH and gentlemen, I did nol, |iuri.i(^ipatc pcrHomilly in lliin 
great w:ir. I Hiaid at, hoim^ in Wcncca. (loiiiily wil.li my gnlluni, 
rriend CharlcH P'oHlcr, und hciiI, |,he hoyn l,o the (Voiil,. ( liaiighhir). I 
Higncd the commi.MnionH lor l,hc men who went, and i-an Hay with Oovor- 
iior {''oHlcr that, Seneca and Sa,iidiinky ('oiinticM and our mililary diHi.ricl. 
Hciil, a,H hiMVc Holdii^rs as were hciiI: from any olJicr Hcctioii oC the, Stulu 
of Ohio. 

And now, geiitloriK!!!, I am (!xc(;(!diiigly ohiigcd loOcncral llayoM 
lor giving me (he o[»((orliiiiit,y lo H|»(!ak luiro, ati<l I miiy iih well emhraco 
the o|>|iorl,iiiiity l,o do a, little Crce, a,d vert.isiiig Tor tJic ( Cleveland I'Idln- 
hfiilr.r. We will have, f.lic Hpeecli of my friend ('aptain l''orakei" 
printed in Ihal, paper |laiiglilcr|, also the Hj»(;cchirM ol Mr. Li-mmon, 
Mr. (Jox, and others. The paper mdln at, liv*; ccnls per <!Opy. 

'riii.s in the (irst. time that I (!ver have had the (orlniic! to lay my 
(!y(!H upon Captain I''oraker [ Ijaiightei . | I hav(; heard oT him helorc. 



62 

I have heard people say that sometimes the Governor got a little ill- 
natured. (Laughter). He does not look at all ill-natured now. 

Some one suggested that the title of Governor was a little too pre- 
vious, but the speaker said he should not change it. I hope his friends 
will keep up his good nature during our fall campaign, but if he ever 
gets ill-natured again, just call on Dr. Leonard. 

^ ;;; :;: ',\: ^,: i\i ^ '^ :^ ^ 

I thank you for your kindness, and will say that there is no place 
in Ohio outside of the city of my present residence, (Cleveland, Ohio,) 
that I think more of than of this Sandusky Valley and the City of 
Fremont; and for your kindness and hospitality, I tender you my 
heartfelt thanks. [Applause.] 

GOVERNOR FOSTER 

was next introduced. He said : 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I think I can dis- 
count my friend W. W. Armstrong upon a long continued residence in 
Seneca County. I have no desire to prolong this meeting by any 
remarks of mine, but would only say that my friend has advertised me 
here in this church as well as he has advertised me in the past. 
[Laughter.] I must refer as Captain Foraker did to the fact that 
railroad trains do not wait for man or woman and I beg you to excuse 
me from further remarks. I have the most pleasant recollections con- 
nected with this town of Fremont. It was here I married a wife. 
[Applause.] 

General Hayes introduced • 

HON. W. D. HILL, 

-member of Congress. He said : 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — I did not come 
here to-day to make an address, but I came particularly to listen to 
Governor Cox and to look at the magnificent monument which has been 
erected by the patriotism and enterprise of the people of Sandusky 
County. Besides that, I have not got into the habit of making 
speeches in a church [laughter] and I hesitate to undertake it. I am 
also advised that trains do not wait for us, and I do not want to be 
responsible for a delay which my speech may cause. I thank you for 
your having given me an opportunity for witnessing these interesting 
•ceremonies to-day. [Applause.] 

General Hayes then said : The people of Fremont have a most 



63 

agreeable recollection of a studious and modest but very promising boy 
who resided here a generation or more ago, and who has since made for 
himself a name in public life, and especially as one of the gallantest 
Brigadier Generals of the war— General John Beatty. [Applause.] 

General Beatty having left the hall. General Hayes said : I would 
like now to introduce a famous editor, who was once Postmaster at the 
Confederate Cross Roads — Mr. D. R. Locke, of Toledo. 

The Toledo delegation left the church to reach the 5 o'clock p. M. 
train. Mr. Locke, Hon. Clark Waggoner, General Fuller, General 
Charles L. Young and others, were not heard from. 

General James M. Comly and General M. D. Leggett excused 
themselves on account of the lateness of the hour. 

GENERAL J. C. LEE 

being introduced, said: 

Mr. Chairman : — You ought not to ask me to say anything. 
Time and tide wait for nothing, neither man nor woman, and railroad 
trains are worse than time and tide. I am not going until 8 o'clock to- 
night, so that — let's see — how long (looking at his watch) can I speak ? 
[Laughter]. I thank the committee for inviting me to be hei-e on this 
occasion It has been to me a day of the highest pleasure and enjoy- 
ment, and to enumerate the sources of that enjoyment would be quite 
out of place now, for you well understand what they are. To see the 
monument located on Fort Stephenson, which was defended by that 
gallant young soldier, Major Croghan, seventy-two years ago, and when 
the flag or veil fell off, to see in position surmounting it the statue of a 
private soldier of the war which put down the rebellion, sent a thrill 
through my whole being, that I believe will continue to vibrate while 
my memory shall endure. 

We stand with uncovered head, and bow ourselves in the presence 
of the fact that our great military leader (General Grant) for the first 
time surrendered to a mightier chieftain and now lies cold on Mt. 
McGregor's top. We admire the glorious character and matchless 
military genius and splendid statesmanship of that great hero, who held 
in his hand the direction of millions of intelligent soldiers of America, 
and hurled them with imposing effect upon the rebellion. Much as my 
heart fills with sadness at the thought of his taking off, still I say to 
you that I bow in reverence also at the feet of the private soldier, who 
helped to put down the rebellion under the guidance of the illustrious 
General Grant. 



64 

The sword is mighty, l)ut the inusket is mightier. He who com- 
mands at the head of the army challenges our admiration, hut he who, 
through patriotism, takes his musket in hand and marches over rough 
stones and through deep mud from night till morning and morning till 
night, is the great character of the American Republic. The man 
who will voluntarily leave wife and little ones at home, with nothing to 
depend upon but the charity and kindness of neighbors, and who will 
stand up to be shot down in defence of his country, for you and for me, 
and for our children, is my ideal of a great soldier, and when I shall 
turn worshiper at the feet of humanity, I want to bow myself in the 
presence of the private soldier of the armies of America. [Cheers.] 

You of the committee will ever remember that that beautiful shaft 
is synonymous with the highest citizenship, the private soldier, braced 
for the severest duty, ready to defend the Constitution and the Union, 
is synonymous with the highest patriotism. This thought has run 
through my heart. The country will thank you and the people of this 
county for the exhibition of patriotism you give in the erection of this 
monument, and I join feebly in this expression of their and my grati- 
tude. [Applause.] 

Ex-Commander-in-Chief of the G. A. R., John S. Kouxtz, of 
Toledo, was next called, but had left for home. 

GENERAL ROBERT P. KENNEDY 

was introduced by General Hayes as one of the boys of his regiment, 
the 23d Ohio, and being used to obeying orders, spoke as follows: 

The 23d boys are generally called upon on such occasions as this. 
I remember when the 23d boys were not called upon in vain. That 
was at the front, down at Antietam, over the hills in Virginia And I 
want it understood now and here that the boys of America have not all 
died. These old soldiers are some in the prime of life. It was the 
boys that shouldered the knapsacks, and carried the muskets, and won 
the victories, and brought back the old flag and planted it throughout 
all this great land of ours. And not only that, but if the time shall 
ever come again when it shall appear necessary for the boys of America 
to preserve this country, to save its flag, to protect its liberty, they will 
do it again. 

Now I have heard it said by a good many of these people who 
went into the army and became captains and majors, generals, etc., that 
it was merely accidental that they rose to higher stations. I say that 
men of worth rose to their places by force of character. They had 



65 

first to be tried by the mighty whirl-wind, the chaff had been winnowed 
away. Sherman was there because vSherman had been pronounced 
capable of commanding a mighty army. McPherson was there because 
he was capable to lead the army of the Tennessee. And Grant the old 
commander was there because God Almighty put a soul in him and 
system into his head so that he could lead all the mighty armies to 
victory. 

Sherman, when leading his army, was only forty years of age. 
Grant led an army at the age of forty-two. McPherson led an army 
at thirty-four. It is fit that you build monuments to such as these. 
Put up your statues that the coming ages may remember that the 
greatest armies that ever battled for freedom come from the hearts and 
homes of the American people. 

Among that mighty array was one man who led grander armies 
than Ctesar's, and fought greater battles than N^apoleon. He was a 
greater general than Ctesar, because Caesar fought for conquest, while 
this man fought for justice ; grander than AVellington, because Wel- 
lington fought for power, w^hile this man fought for liberty ; grander 
than Napoleon, because Napoleon's battles were for glory, while this 
man fought for justice and humanity. This chieftain of chieftains, 
this hero of heroes, was Ulysses S. Grant. 

General Hayes then said : We have had comrades from the north- 
west, and will now have one from the southeastern part of Ohio : 

GENERAL CHAS. H. GROSVENOR. 

It is a glorious time to erect a soldiers' monument in 1885. We 
are sure now that we have a restored Union, and a constitution resting 
upon the foundation that the fathers gave us ; that fraternal relations 
exist in all sections. I congratulate you on the erection of the monu- 
ment, and I hope that this will be to you a year of jubilee. 

After the doxology was sung. Rev. H. P. Barnes, pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church of Clyde, pronounced the benediction and the 
audience dispersed. 

There was a rush for supper, and then a marching to and from the 
depot as the strangers began leaving the city. The rain had ceased and 
a large crowd remained on the streets until a late hour. A splendid 
exhibition of fire works from the top of the stand pipe closed one of 
the most pleasant and successful occasions our city has ever witnessed. 
The crowd, though immense, was well entertained, and eveiyone went 
away feeling repaid for havhig been in Fremont on that day. 



66 
THl': MUSIC, 

which interspersed the exercises of the day was exceptionally good, and 
added greatly to the pleasure and interest of the occasion. It consisted 
of the rendition of our popular patriotic songs by a glee club com- 
posed of the following gentlemen: James L. Pease, Toledo, leader; 
John G. Fitch, Fremont; J. M. Shafer, William Howell, Chas. 
Casner, of Toledo. P. T. Germain, of Toledo, organist, and Fred H 
Dorr, of this city, cornetist, accompanied two of the songs. 

WHAT THE PRESS SAYS. 

Among the many compliments bestowed upon the people of Fre- 
mont for the success of the celebration and unveiling, we publish the 
following : 

The public tone in Fremont is broad and liberal and generous. 
The churches and public buildings are good and substantial ; the reser- 
vation of Fort Stephenson establishes a beauty centre, and the Library 
makes it also the intellectual fountain. Now, to crown and perpetuate 
all, is the beautiful monument, dedicated Saturday. 

Certainly no monument in the country could have more of the 
grandest memorial character than this — erected on the site of one of the 
most brilliant and memorable events of the War of Twelve, com- 
memorating the desperate valor of Croghan and his men ; commemor- 
ating the heroism of McPherson and the thousands ot other Sandusky 
County heroes of the Civil War; dedicated with solemn consciousness 
of that death-cold and now eternally silent illustrious chieftain lying at 
the Drexel Cottage. 

It was well that the unveiling of the Fremont monument should 
be witnessed by such an array of Senators, Representatives, Judges, 
statesmen, soldiers and civilians as have seldom been seen together in 
an interior town. 

The speeches were all good. That of General Cox Avas a surprise 
even to those familiar with his great powers as an orator of scholarly 
and polished diction. It was wonderfully sympathetic, and thrilled 
the audience at times until the applause shook the old Presbyterian 
meeting-house into something like an indecorum. 

We should be glad to write something worthy of the occasion. 
But the very vastness of the memories and the environments make it 
impossible. This effort may serve as an apology, only. — Toledo Com- 
mercial lelegram. 



07 

There was an enormous throng of people in the beautiful city of 
Fremont last Saturday, on the occasion of the unveiling of the soldiers' 
monument, but large as it was it did not exhaust the hospitality of the 
citizens. There were probably 20,000 people present, and all were 
splendidly cared for, the citizens vieing with each other in their efforts 
to make everybody comfortable. Ex-President Hayes entertained a 
very large number from all parts of the State, and well nigh everybody 
else kept open house. There was not only the most magnificent hos- 
pitality on the part of the citizens but the committees had so well done 
their work that the celebration passed off without hitch or unpleas- 
ant occurrence, that anybody was responsible for. The only thing that 
marred the pleasure of the crowd was the rain in the afternoon which 
dispersed the multitude in the park, and drove them into a church. 
Despite the unfavorable weather, the celebration was a notable success, 
and a credit to the county and city. — loledo Blade. 



LETTERS OF REGRET. 

Letters regretting inability to be present were received by the 
committee of the Monumental Association from many distinguished 
persons to whom they had extended invitations, among which are the 
following : 

Executive Mansion, Washington. 
The President has received the invitation of the Committee in charge to be 
present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, on August 1st, 
and regrets that his official and other engagements will prevent its acceptance. 
Friday, July 17. 

Mt. McGregor, N, Y., July 14. 
Oenilemen:—Geu. Grant directs me to acknowledge receipt of your invita- 
tion to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, on 
the 1st of August, and to convey to you his heartfelt thanks for the kind expres- 
sions contained therein personal to himself. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

^ T, 7, T ^- E- DAWSON. 

Gen. R. B. Hayes, ex-President U. S., and others, Committee. 



912 Garrison Avenue, St. Louis, Mo., July 15, 1885. 
General R. B. Hayes, Fremont, Ohio : 

Dear General :—Fa.rdon me if, in addressing you as General instead of Pres- 
ident, I make a mistake, but I always do so to General Grant, and feel the for- 
mer title the more familiar. I have received your most friendly note of July 13, 
and the other one, equally kind and acceptable, of Mrs. Hayes, dated "Spiegel 



68 

Grove," and regret extremely that I must answer both that every day, from this 
to Sept. 10, is so parcelled out, and dove-tailed, that I cannot possibly change a 
day without violating promises of long standing. My entire family is now at 
Lake Minnetonka. I remain behind a few days to supervise the re-construction 
of a house formerly occupied by my daughter, Mrs. Fitch, and am under prom- 
ise to leave here Thursday, or Friday at the latest, for Chicago, and thence to 
yt. Paul, Minneapolis and Lake Minnetonka. There I remain for about three 
weeks, with engagements at Fort Snelling, etc., and must be in New York shortly 
after the middle of August; then Mansfield, Ohio, Sept. 1, where John Sherman 
has arranged for a family reunion ; then St. Louis, to settle up for the new house, 
and finally the Army of the Tennessee, Sept. 9-10, at Chicago. For an old 
soldier turned out to grass, this surely is a fair amount of labor, for no one 
knows better than you that these " pleasant " reunions of old soldiers are the 
hardest kind of work for such as me, around whose name every soldier who 
served at the West wears a chain of memories, personal to himself yet associated 
with my name. 

The defence of Fort Stephenson, by Croghan and his gallant little band, was 
the necessary precursor to Perry's victory on the Lake, and of General Harrison's 
triumphant victory at the battle of the Thames. These assured to our immedi- 
ate ancestors the mastery of the Great West, and from that day to this the west 
has been the bulwark of this nation. 

The occasion is worthy a monument to the skies, and nothing could be more 
congenial to me personally than to assist, but, as I hope I have demonstrated, it 
is impossible. 

Tell Mrs. Hayes that Rachel is with the family at Minnetonka, and that I 
will carry her letter to her by Sunday next. Accept the assurance of my pro- 
found respect for yourself and every member of your family. 

Sincerely yours, W. T. SHERMAN. 



Headquarters Army of the United States, \ 
Washington, D. C, August 4, 1885. j 
My Dear Sir: — Returning on Saturday from duty in the Indian Territory, 
I found here your very polite note requesting my attendance at the unveiling 
of the Soldiers' Monument, at Sandusky, Ohio, on the 1st of August. 

I regret very much that I was so situated as to be unable to be present on 
that interesting occasion. Yours very truly, 

P. H. SHERIDAN, 
Oen. R. B. Hayes, Fremont, Ohio. Lieu't General, 



Governors Island, N. Y., July 15. 

My Dear General: — Your note of the 13th, enclosing invitation to be present 
at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, Ohio, Saturday, August 
1st, has been received. 

Ii would afford me great pleasure to be present and participate in the 
unveiling ceremonies on that occasion, which, occurring on the anniversary of 
Major George Croghan's gallant defence of Fort Stephenson, August 2, 1813, is 



69 

of additional interest, but my official duties interfere with my absence from 
home, save for brief periods, and oblige me to decline. I thank you for your 
kindly expressions in conveying to me the invitation, and I beg you will express 
to your committee my regrets. 

I am, very truly yours, 

W. S. HANCOCK. 



Wilson, Kan., July 25. 
Hon. R. B. Hayes and Others: 

Gentlemen: — It will be impossible for me to accept invitation to be present 
at Fort Stephenson, on account of poor health. Will explain by letter. 

Yours truly, 

WM. GAINS. 

New York, July 22. 
Committee Invitations: — I sincerely regret that I cannot join in your tribute, 
to-morrow, of grateful recollection to the early heroes of your State. The 
interest and pleasure which I should have had in being present, would have 
been increased by realizing on that historic ground the honor conferred on me 
in giving to it my name. Your monument, rising from the dust of a century, 
and the funeral gloom which to-day covers the country, shows that this republic 
is not ungrateful, but generously mindful of good service rendered. 

J. C. FKEMONT, 
130 East 6ith. 

United States Senate. ") 

Washington, D. C, July 16. / 
Hon. R. B. Hayes, Chairman, etc.: 

My Deur Sir: — I am in receipt of your invitation to be present at the 
unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, Ohio, August 1. It would afford 
me much pleasure to be present on that occasion, but I have engagements East 
that will prevent. Very truly. 

JOHN A. LOGAN. 



Chicago, July 16, 1885. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes, etc., Committee: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous invitation 
to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, Ohio, 
Saturday, August 1, for which please accept my thanks. 

I regret that official duties will require my presence at my Headquarters in 
Chicago, and I am compelled, therefore, to decline your very cordial invitation. 
Very truly yours, 

J. M. SCHOFIELD. 



Mt. Vernon, July 31, 1885. 
My Dear General:—! greatly regret that I am not able to be present at your 
celebration on to-morrow. Do me the kindness to present my cordial saluta- 
tions to Gen. Cox. With great respect, very truly, 

GEORGE W. MORGAN. 
His Excellency, R. B. Hayes, Chairman, etc. 



70 

Orange, New Jersey, July 24, 1885. 
Hon. R. B. Ifayrs, Chalrmmi: 

Dear Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous 
invitation to attend the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, on 
the 1st of August. 

I regret that other engagements will render it imjjossible for nie to avail 
myself of the invitation. With my cordial thanks for the com{)liment and my 
best wishes for the complete success of the meeting, 

T am, respectfully, your devoted serv't, 

GEO. B. McCLELLAN. 



Headquarters Division op the Pacific, 1 

Presido of San Francisco, Cai.., July 21, 1885. i' 

Gen. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee: 

Gentlemen: — Be pleased to accept ray thanks for your kind and considerate 
invitation to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, 
on the 1st of August next. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be 
present at, and participate in, an occasion so full of interest, but you will per- 
ceive from the heading of this letter that nearly the whole continent interposes 
between us, and absolutely precludes the possibility of my being witii you. I 
am sure you cannot regret it so much as I do. 

Sincerely yours, JOHN POPE. 



Lebanon, July 18, 1885. 
Ho7i. R. B. Hayes, and others, Committee: 

Messrs: — I regret that other engagements will })revent my being with 
you August 1st, though it would give me great pleasure to be at tlie unveil- 
ing of your monument. Express my regrets to your people. 

Very truly, DURBIN WARD. 



Toledo, July 30, 1S85. 
Wm.. E. Haynes, Esq., Chairman, Fremont, Ohio: 

Dear Sir: — Pressing business engagements will prevent my attendance at 
the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in your city on August 1st, a circum- 
stance which I regret exceedingly. It is forty years since I first became a resi- 
dent of Sandusky County, and among my earliest and pleasantest recollections 
are the annual celebrations of Croghan's victory. This important event is the 
bright particular page in our county's history of the war of 1812-15, one of 
which our people are justly proud. 

This year you connect with this time-honored custom another broad and 
noble object, the dedication of a monument to the memory of the brave men 
who fell in the defence of our country in the war of the rebellion. No fitter site 
than P'ort Stephenson could be selected. It was my ]>leasant duty, as the Repre- 



71 

sentative of our Senatorial district, to introduce in the Ohio T>egislature a bill 
authorizing the CoinrnissionerH of Sandusky County to transfer to yf)ur Soldiers' 
Monumental Association funds raised for the erection of a monument, tiius 
securing prompt and eflicient action ; and the reflection that I have heen able to 
aid — even in this slight degree — the accomplishment of this noble object will be 
a source of pleasure to me for all time. 

Very respectfully yours, GODP^REY JAEGEli. 



Red Hook, Douolas Co., N. Y., ) 

TivoLi T. ()., July 20, 1885. ( 
JLm. It. B. Hayes, for Commi.Uee : 

Genllemen: — I regret extremely that ill-health prevents my acceptance of 
your very kind remembrance and invitation to be present at the unveiling of 
the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, Ohio. Saturday, August 1st. 

From what I had heard I supposed it was a memorial of the defence of 
Fort Stephenson, 1st and 2d of August, 18 K^. From those of our people and 
friends who overlapped me many years when memory received distinct remem- 
brances, sufhciently so to be ever proudly retained, the defence of Maj. Croghan 
always impressed itself as one of the most praiseworthy deeds of the war of 
1812-13, in which so many of my relations and afliliations nobly participated. 

In all crises in human affairs, of whatsoever magnitude, it is not men who 
are wanting to decide events, but the man. At fyower Sandusky, in 1813, the 
occasion formed the man. Major, afterward Colonel, Oeo. Croghan 

Although so little is [)resented in general history of the details most inter- 
esting to a military student, sudicient is known to constitute it as a "big thing," 
especially to one intimate with Col. Armstrong, son of Major-General, Secn;tary 
of War, Armstrong, who lived in a neighboring village in this township. I 
was full of the stories of the conflict known as the country's "second war for 
independence." 

Although Croghan was a Kentuckian, he came to this same town to seek a 
wife. Miss Livingstone, from a family with several branches of which I am 
closely connected in various ways. 

In having this creditable exploit of the Major or Colonel thus brougiit to 
view, it simultaneously recalled the verses of Duncan Macgregor : 

" Men and dcedH ! " 
Wanted, men ! 
Not systems fit and wise. 

For even the potent pen, 

Wanted, men 

Wanted ; deeds ! 

Not words of cunning note. 

Not love of cant and creeds, 
Wanted : deeds ! 
Men that can dare and do ! 
These the occasion needs, 
Men and deeds. 
Respectfully, J. WATTS DePEYSTER. 



72 

It. B. Hayes, R. P. Bucklnnd, Wm. E. Haynes : 

Comrades: — I feel like addressing you as "venerable brethren." In reply to 
your kind invitation to be present, at Fremont, 1st August proximo, on the occa- 
sion of the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument there, I know of no soldiers' 
reunion which it would give me more pleasure to attend, but I fear I am des- 
tined not to be present. If the spirit would avail I should be there. 
I am, very truly, your comrade, 

W. S. ROSECRANS. 



State of Illinois, Executive Office, ") 
Springfield, July 22. | 

Hon. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee mi Invitations : 

Gentlemen : — Your invitation of the 1st in&t., inviting Gov. Oglesby to be 
present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, O., on the first 
of August prox., duly received. 

Gov. Oglesby directs me to say that it would afford him much pleasure to 
be present on that interesting occasion, but that the demand of public business 
upon his time necessitates sending his regrets. 

Were it not that public measures are demanding his constant attention it 
would afford him the greatest pleasure to accept of your invitation. 
I am very respectfully yours, 

H. J. CALDWELL, 

Private Secretary. 



Post Office Department, \ 
Office op Post Master General, July 25, 1885. j 

Gentlemen : — I beg you will accept my hearty thanks for the compliment of 
your invitation to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at 
Fremont, on the first of August next. It will be an occasion well calculated to 
stir the most patriotic emotions, and one which every soldier would be glad to 
participate in. I regret exceedingly that my official duties deny me the 
privilege. Very respectfully, 

WM. VILAS. 
Hon. R. B. Hiyes, etc. 



Navy Department, Washington, July 26, 1885. 

Gentlemen : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation 
of your committee to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at 
Fremont, O., on August 1st next. I regret that other engagements will prevent 
my accepting the invitation of your committee and of being present on the 
important occasion referred to. Yours very truly, 

W. C. WHITNEY. 



73 

State of Ohio, Executive Department, "> 
Columbus, July 10, 1885. / 
■Col. Wm. E. Haynes, Fremont, 0. : 

Dear Colonel: — The invitation to attend the dedication of the Sandusky 
•County Soldiers' Monument came to us in due course of mail. I regret that it 
"will be out of my power to be present on that occasion. I am compelled to be 
here to address the colored people on the afternoon of August 1st, being the 
emancipation of the West Indies. 

I sincerely hope you will have a successful occasion, a pleasant day ; I am 
sure you will have fit and noble words spoken to you, both in prose and poetry ; 
that the ceremonies of the occasion may be such as to rivet more firmly in the 
minds of the people that respect for the surviving soldiers of the war of the 
rebellion which was so lively when they first returned in glory in 1865. 
With mv kind regards, your friend, 

GEO. HOADLY. 



Department op Justice, "l 

Washington, July 18, 1885. j 

Messrs. JR. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee: 

Gentlemen: — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invitation to 
attend the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, Ohio, on August 
1st proximo, and to thank you for it. If it were possible I would be glad to 
attend ; but the nature of my duties and the condition of the public business 
compel me to decline it, however unwillingly. 

Very respectfully, A. H. GARLAND. 



War Department, "i 
Washington, July 25, 1885. / 

Dear Sir : — The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of 
your invitation to him to attend the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument at 
Fremont on the 1st prox., and to express his regrets that he cannot accept the 
same. Very truly yours, 

JAY STONE, 

Act. Priv. Sec'y. 
* 

Mt. Vernon, O., July 20, 1885. 
Gentlemen : — The courteous invitation of your committee to be present at 
the celebration of the heroic and successful defence of Fort Stephenson by 
(ieorge Croghan, found me ill in bed, and I am now in my office by way of 
experiment. If I sufficiently regain my strength, I will have the pleasure of 
being present on that occasion. Thirty-nine years ago Colonel Croghan in- 
spected my regiment in Mexico, and I will be glad to do honor to his character 
and memory. With great respect, 

GEORGE W. MORGAN. 



74 

Lake Home, Mt. Vernon, O., \ 
July 25, 1885./ 

Gentlemen: — I regret to say that it is impossible for me to be present at the 
unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in Fremont, Ohio, Saturday, August 
1st, 1885. 

I thank you for your invitation, and I trust the occasion may be pleasant, 
as I am sure it will be useful in the future, to our country and institutions. 

Such tributes to patriotism always promote the welfare of a nation. 

With great respect, C. DELANO. 

Hon. R. B. Hayes, Hon. R. P. Buekland, Wm. E. Haynes, Commiliee, etc. 



465 CiiiNTON Avenue, 1 
Brooklyn, N. Y., July 30, 1885./ 

Dear Sir: — I regret that my engagements are such as to prevent my accept- 
ance of your kind invitation for August 1st, 1885. 

Yours truly, 

HENRY W. SLOCUM. 
Hon. R. B. Hayes, of Committee. 



Cleveland, O., July 25, 1885. 
3Tij Dear General : — My wife and myself thank you sincerely for your kind' 
invitation to visit you at the ceremonies to be held at your place, and very 
much regret that owing to sickness of my daughter and her child, it will not be 
possible for us to accept. Miss Hill is now west, in Illinois. We have, how- 
ever, sent her your kind invitation. I have been up to Ballast Island since 
Monday last, hence the delay in this reply. Our regards to all of your family. 

Yours, JAMES BARNETT. 

General Buekland. 



Cincinnati, July 28, 1885. 
General R. P. Buekland, Fremont, 0. : 

Dear General: — The invitation to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' 
Monument August 1st, by the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monument Association, 
duly received, and I note your courtesy and compliment of inviting me to your 
house. 

I regret extremely that I cannot avail myself of the pleasure of being 
present, and your hospitality, but I must go east on Sunday or Monday to be 
gone several weeks, and the responsibilities of my business will keep me oc- 
cupied every moment before. Thanking you very kindly, 

I am, sincerely, etc., 

L. M. DAYTON. 



75 

Georgetown, O., August 9, 1885. 
My Dear General: — I thank you very much for invitation to attend unveil- 
ing of Soldiers' Monument, and for copy of papers containing proceedings and 
speeches. 

I was not able to come or I should have been with you. With my best 
wishes for you and yours, 

I remain, sincerely, 

Your comrade and friend, 

D. W. C. LOUDON. 

General R. P. BucMand, Fremont, Ohio. 



Clarksburg, W. Va., July 24, 1885. 

My Dear General: — Many thanks for your kind remembrance, as shown in 
your invitation of 18th inst. to attend the unveiling of the Sandusky County 
Soldiers' Monument, on 1st prox. 

I have an engagement in Washington for Friday and Saturday, the 31st 
inst. and 1st prox., which will prevent my being with you at the time mentioned. 
I regret it very much, as I would above all things like to visit your section, 
meet our comrades who will then honor themselves by honoring the memory of 
their dead, and again meet with your family, all of whom I so fondly remem- 
ber, and from whom I received such kindness. 

Please remember me to Mrs. Hayes and Miss Fanny, 

And believe me, most truly, N. GOFF, Jr. 

General R. B. Hayes, Fremont, 0. 



War Department, Adj. Gen's Office, ") 
Washington, July 29, 1885. / 
My Dear Mr. President : — I am in receipt of your very kind invitation to 
attend the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument at Fremont, on Saturday next, 
and beg to thank you for the kind words urging me to be present on that 
occasion. 

It would give me great pleasure to attend, but my duties here are so press- 
ing that I shall not be able to take any vacation whatever this summer. 
With great respect. 

Sincerely yours, R. C. DRUM. 



Dayton, O., July 24, 1885. 
Messrs. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Bmkland, W. E. Haynes, Committee. 

Gentlemen: — Respectfully acknowledging your invitation to be present at 
the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monumental Association, unveiling of the Sol- 
diers' Monument, in Fremont, on August 1st prox., and thanking you for the 
courtesy, I am constrained to send my regrets and compliments on account of 
business obligations. Fraternally, 

W. D. BICKHAM. 



76 

Kenton, O., August 1, 1885. 

My Dear General: — I write to present my apology to yourself and asso- 
ciates on the committee for my failure to keep my engagement to-day. 

My only apology is the weather. Twice in my life I have been overcome 
by the heat. During the week I have had the threshing machine on my farm, 
and as the result, have been a good deal out of doors. For two days I have 
been suffering inconvenience from the exposure. Hence I am admonished that 
I must remain in doors and keep quiet. This is my reason for not being with 
you. 

Please present my excuse to your associates on the committee. I can only 
add that I am extremely sorry that I cannot be with you on this memorable 
occasion. Very respectfully, 

J. S. ROBINSON. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes. 



Cleveland, O., July 22, 1885. 
Hon. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee. 

Gentlemen: — I sincerely regret not being able to accept your kind invitation 
for August 1st, at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument at Fremont, as I 
expect to be out of the State at that time. 

Please accept my best wishes for yourselves, the day, and Ihe occasion. 
Yours truly, WM. BINGHAM. 



St. Paul, July 29, '85. 
My Dear General: — I have delayed until to-day writing an acknowledg- 
ment of your kindly invitation of the 18th inst., to the unveiling of the Sol- 
diers' Monument at Fremont, on the 1st of August, because I had hoped I 
could command the time to be present with you and for this purpose have the 
further pleasure of paying my respects to yourself and Mrs. Hayes, but I am 
called to Salt Lake and must leave here for that place on to-morrow. 
Ever sincerely yours, 

ALEX. RAMSAY. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes, Fremont, 0. 



1305 Euclid Avenue, \ 
Cleveland, O., July 17, 1885. ) 
GenH R. B. Hayes, Chairman S. M. A., Fremont, 0. 

Dear Sir: — Being a confirmed invalid, unable to leave my home, it is not 
possible for me to be present on the anniversary of the defence of Fort Stephen- 
son, August 1, 1885. 

Your polite invitation brings in review a number of historical events con- 
nected with your city, that have occurred during the past century. The rapids 
of Lower Sandusky, where Fremont now is, put a stop to the expedition of 
Colonel Bradstreet in October, 1764, on his way to join Colonel Bouquet at the 
forks of the Muskingum. 



77 

During the war of the revolution many of the expeditions of the British 
and their Indian allies, passed up the Sandusky River, to attack the frontier 
settlements. In the fall of 1781, the Moravian Missions on the Tuscarawas 
under Zeisberger, were forced away from their posts, to the towns on the San- 
dusky and thence to Detroit. Indian and English war parties passed up the 
river to join in the battle against Colonel Crawford, near Upper Sandusky, in 
June, 1782. The first Protestant Mission among the Wyandots, and the first 
United States Agency, were located at the Lower rapids in 1803 and 1808, their 
buildings forming part of the fort constructed in 1812. The first company 
drafted on the Reserve in April, 1812, under Captain John Campbell was 
ordered there, and assisted in completing the fort. 

But all these interesting events culminated in the unparalleled discom- 
fiture of the British and Indians, in August, 1813, by a young major of Ken- 
tucky, acting against orders. Nothing can be more appropriate than the cele- 
bration of a defence so brilliant and complete, and the erection of a durable 
monument to fix the spot forever. 

Very respectfully voiirs, 

' "CHAS. WHITTLESEY. 



WoosTER, July 27, 1885. 
Dear General:— I find that I cannot attend your Soldiers' Monument cere- 
monies on Saturday, and I am very sorry that wife and I will not therefore 
be able to enjoy your hospitalities on that occasion. I had hoped we could 
have that pleasure. My ofiicial duties at Cleveland and engagements here will 
not allow me time to visit your city also, 

Best regards to you and vours, in which wife joins. 

Yours truly, M. WELKER. 

Oen. Buckland. 



Pittsburg, Pa., July 29, 1885. 
General R. B. Hayes, Fremont, 0. 

Dear Sir .—1 am much obliged for your kind invitation to the ceremonies 
on August 1st, and have delayed the acknowledgment because I thought of 
being present, but my necessary duties will not permit. 
I am, with much respect, yours, 

C. C. BALDWIN. 



Akron, O., 25th July, 1885. 
Messrs. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Commitlee. 

Gents .—'Please accept my thanks for your invitation to be present at the 
unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in Fremont. It would give me great 
pleasure to be present, but I shall be prevented by necessary absence from home. 
Very respectfully yours, etc., 

WM. H. UPSON. 



78 

State of Ohio, Adj. Gen. Department, \ 
Columbus, Ohio, July 16, 1885. / 

Hon. R. B. Hayes, Hon. R. P. Buckland and Hon. W. E. Haynes, Fremont, 0. 

Gentlemen: — I am in receipt of your favor, tendering me an invitation to be 
present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, Saturday, 
August 1st, 1885, for which accept thanks. 

I fear that owing to prior engagements, it will be out of the question for 
me to be present. It would afford me very great pleasure indeed to be there on 
that occasion, and if I can possibly arrange to attend, I will do so. I have the 
honor to be. Yours truly, e. B. FINLEY, 

Adj. Oewl. 



Tiffin, Ohio, July 11, 1885. 
Messrs. Oen. R. B. Hayes, Gen. R. P. Buckland, Col. W. E. Haynes, Committee. 

Gentlemen: — I am in receipt of yours of the 10th, inviting me to be present 
at the unveiling of your Soldiers' Monument August 1st, the anniversary of 
Croghan's victory. I had almost forgotten my infant effort of thirty-seven or 
thirty-eight years ago ! I wonder what I said then ? As now advised, I see 
nothing to prevent my " driving down" to the unveiling, and I shall hope to 
meet and greet some few, at least, who heard me there two score years since. 
If I am to be used, in any way, let it be to "scatter" the crowd. 

I am faithfully, 

W. H. GIBSON. 



Sandusky, July 22, 1885. 
My Dear Sir : — The receipt of your committee's kind invitation to be pres- 
ent at the unveiling of the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monument on the 72d 
anniversary of the memorable defence of Fort Stephenson, very much strength- 
ened a previously conceived desire to be present, because of my vivid recollec- 
tion of the defence. 

Health permitting, I shall try to be present on the 1st of August. 
With liigh consideration, I am, etc., 

O. FOLLETT. 
Gen'l R. B. Hayes, Chm'71 Com. 



Ashland, Lake Superior, Wis., July 19, 1885. 
Prest. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee : 

Gentlemen: — Your kind invitation to be present at the unveiling of the 
Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, Ohio, on the 1st day of August, was forwarded 
to me here. My engagements are such as will prevent my attendance, but I 
desire to express to you my grateful appreciation of the compliment, and my 
very great regret at not being able to accept. 

Very respectfully yours, 

GEO. L. CONVERSE. 



79 

Detroit, Mich., July 21st, 1885. 
Oen. R. B. Hayes, Gen. R. P. Buckland, Col. Wm. E. Haynes, Committee of Invitations: 
Gentlemen: — I nm this moment in receipt of your invitation to attend the 
ceremony of unveiling the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, 
Ohio, on the 1st proximo, and greatly regret that it so happens that I must be 
at Sault St. Marie, Michigan, on duty, on that day, otherwise I should most as- 
suredly have given myself the pleasure of going to Fremont. Thanking you 
for the courtesy of the invitation, 

I am, your obedient servant, O. M. POE. 



} 



Office of the Chief Signal Officek, 
Washington, D. C, July 27, 1885. 

My Bear General: — I have just returned from a little trip north, and find 
your invitation to be present at the unveiling of the Sandusky County Soldiers' 
Monument, on the 1st of next month, awaiting me. 

I would be glad to be present on that occasion, but intend to sail this week 
for a European tour of two months, and so will be unable. 

Regretting that I cannot be with you and thanking you sincerely for your 
remembrance, I am 

Yours very sincerely, 

W. B. HAZEN. 
Hon. Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the Day, and Chairman Committee on Invitation , 
Fremont, Ohio. 



Dayton, Ohio, July 21, 1885. 
Comrades : — Many, very many thanks for your kind invitation to be pres- 
ent at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in Fremont, Ohio, August 1st 
proximo, but I regret to say my health is such I cannot promise myself the 
gratification of attendance. 

With great respect, I am your friend and comrade, 

THOS. J. WOOD. 
Comrades R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, W. E. Haynes, Committee on Invitation. 



Cincinnati, Ohio, July 19, 1885. 
Oen. R. B. Hayes, Chairman Committee on Invitations, Fremont, Ohio. 

My Dear General : — I regret exceedingly that other pressing engagements 
will prevent the acceptance of your kind invitation to be present at the unveil- 
ing of the Soldiers' Monument, in your city on the 1st of August. 
Very respectfully, 

A. HICKENLOOPER. 



so 

Sprinofiei-d, (^hio, July 17, 1885. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes and others, Committee on Invitations : 

Messrs : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invita- 
tion to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, on 
August 1st next. 

I have arranged to go west in a day or two with a portion of my family and 
I may not return until too late to attend the unveiling at the time named. 

Your committee, and the association it represents, have my thanks for the 
kind invitation, and I am delighted to know that the brave soldiers of San- 
dusky County are soon to have a monument in their honor. 
Yours, with high esteem, 

J. WARKEN KEIFER. 



Toledo, Ohio, July 20, 1885. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes, Fremont, O. 

My Dear Sir: — I am very much gratified at the receipt of your kind invita- 
tion to be present at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, on 
the first of August. 

I am sure nothing would prevent my being with you if it were possible, on 
that occasion, but I am about starting to visit my eldest daughter, residing at 
Minneapolis, and shall be absent from home for three or four weeks. But for 
this unavoidable necessity, I should have been delighted to have witnessed these 
ceremonies. I hope I shall nevertheless often see the monument which will be 
an enduring memorial of the great action, which in such close proximity to that 
of Perry, rescued the infant settlements around the lake from the British army 
and its merciles allies. Very truly yours, 

J. R. OSBORN. 



Madison, Wis., July 15, 1885. 
Gen. R. B. Hayes, Chairman Committee, etc., Fremont, Ohio : 

General : — Thanking you and the committee for an invitation to be present 
at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in Fremont, Saturday, August 1st, 
I very much regret that another engagement will prevent me from accepting. 

I should enjoy joining my Ohio comrades on that occasion, and I am glad 
to have been remembered by them. 

I am. General, with much respect, 

Faithfully yours, LUCIUS FAIRCHILD. 



81 

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the "j 

U. S., Headq's Comm'y of the State of Penn- |- 

SYLVANiA, Philadelphia, July 24, 1885. J 

Colonel John P. Nicholson presents his compliments to the committee of 
the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monumental Association and thanks them for 
the invitation to be present August Ist, 1885. 



Cleveland, Ohio, July 21, 1885. 
To R. B. Hayes, B. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee : 

Gentlemen:— Y oar appreciated invitation is received to be present on the 
1st proximo, at the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument at Fremont. It is an 
event of great interest, one that would give me much pleasure to attend, but, 
unfortunately, an engagement in the east the last of the month will prevent my 
acceptance of your courtesy. 

May the day be a fair and notable one to you and the citizens of Sandusky 
County, the lives and deeds of whose sons have exalted the State. With 
great respect, I remain, Sincerely yours, 

J. DEVEREUX. 



Mansfield, O., July 22, 1885. 
Hon. B. B. Hayes and others, Committee on Invitations : 

Gentlemen:— Your letter inviting me to be present at the unveiling of the 
Soldiers' Monument in Fremont, Ohio, August 1st, 1885, received, for which 
accept my sincere thanks. I find other engagements will compel me to forego 
the pleasure you tender me, but trust the occasion will meet your highest 
expectation. I am, very truly, etc., 

GEO. W. GEDDES. 



Washington, July 24, 1885. 
Gentlemen.— Your very kind invitation to be present at the unveiling of the 
monument erected on the site of old Fort Stephenson received, I regret to say that 
official duties will prevent my attendance. It would afford me great pleasure to 
unite with my late comrades in honoring the memory of the gallant Croghan 
and his command, for their brave and successful defence of Fort Stephenson 
against the combined attack of a superior force of British and Indians. 

Truly yours, B. F. KELLY. 

Gen. B. B. Hayes, and others, Committee, Fremont, Ohio : 



82 

Cincinnati, O., July 24, 1885. 
GenH R. B. Hayes, Chairman Committee of Invitations, Fremont, 0.: 

My Dear Sir: — I have your polite invitation to attend the ceremonies at 
the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument of Sandusky County. I had made 
my plans to be present, to join in honoring the memory of those who so 
gallantly defended Fort Stephenson, and all those from your county who fought 
for the preservation of the Union from '61 to '65. It would give me very great 
pleasure to join in the exercises which I am sure will be very interesting, but 
the death of our honored Commander, General Grant, has devolved some special 
duties upon me here, and I fear I shall be unable to be with you. 

I thank you and the other members of the committee for the invitation, 
and I sincerely hope that your brightest hopes may be realized in the success 
of your efforts. Very cordially yours, 

H. P. LLOYD. 



Mayor's Office, "t 
Toledo, O., July 27, 1885. / 

Hon. B. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee : 

Gentlemen: — Your courteous and cordial invitation to be present at the un- 
veiling of the Sandusky County Soldiers' Monument, on Saturday next, at 
Fremont, was duly received. 

I have delayed answering before, hoping to be able to say that I would be 
present. Circumstances over which I have no control, however, compel me to 
decline the invitation. I can assure you of my deep regret in being deprived 
of the pleasure of being present to testify in an humble way my great respect 
for the gallant men who have gone before. Accept my thanks and hopes for a 
successful issue of the exercises. Very respectfully yours, 

S. F. FORBES. 



Mutual Life Building, \ 

Philadelphia, July 28, 1885. j 

Gentlemen: — I regret greatly that I shall be unable to be present at the un- 
veiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, on Saturday, August 1st. 
Thanking you for the compliment of your invitation. 

Very truly vours, 

WM. N. LAMBERT. 

Messrs. R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee on Invitations : 



83 

U. S. Marshal's Office, 
Northern District of Ohio, 

CLEVEXiAND, July 29, 1885. 

Gentlemen:— Your kind invitation was received. I should be pleased to 
attend, but owing to business engagements, it will be impossible for me to do so. 

Yours most sincerely, W. F. GOODSPEED. 

Gen. B. B. Hayes, B. P. Buckland, Wm. E. Haynes, Committee : 



Fort Scott, Kan., July 22, 1885. 
Messrs. B. B. Hayes, B. P. Buckland and Wm. E. Haynes, Committee oh Invitations : 

Genfenen .•— Keplying to your very kind invitation to be present at the un- 
veiling of the Soldiers' Monument, in Fremont, Ohio, on the 1st proximo, I 
very deeply regret my inability to arrange my business engagements so as to be 
present. No monument, however costly or enduring, will be too grateful a 
recognition of the patriotism and valor of the citizens of Ohio, who laid down 
their lives on the altar of their country. It is such patriotism that should be 
instilled into the minds of the youth of our country, who, if thoroughly imbued 
with it, are a greater element of safety to our institutions than any standing 
army. 

The citizens of your beautiful city are noted for their patriotism and in 
thus erecting a monument to the memory of our gallant dead, they are not only 
performing a patriotic duty to them, but are also educating the rising genera- 
tion in a practical way to esteem love of country and our institutions as above 
life itself, when threatened by any foe, either foreign or domestic. 

Thanking you for the compliment tendered and regretting my inability to 
be present I remain, your obedient servant, 

U. B. PEARSALL, 

Late Col. iSth Wis. Infl'y and Brevet. Brig. Gen. VoVs. 



Cincinnati, July 29, 1885. 
Gen. B. B. Hayes, et ai, CommiUe-e, Fremont, Ohio: 

Gen!!/eme7i :— Having been favored with an invitation to be present at the 
unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument in your city on August 1st, I had hoped 
that I might so arrange my engagements as to be able to be present, hence 
delay in replying. I find, however, with regret at this late day that I shall be 
unable to attend. 

Wishing you a very pleasant and profitable meeting, 
I am, very truly vours, 

ORLAND SMITH. 



84 

Sandusky, O., August 8, 1885. 
General R. P. Buckland : 

My Dear Sir : — I sincerely thank you for a copy of the Fremont Journal, 
containing the proceedings and account of the ceremonies at the unveiling of 
the Soldiers' Monument, at Fremont, on Saturday last, which I received this 
morning. I have read with interest the speeches made on the occasion, and 
especially yours and General Cox's. Mr, Lemmon's also possesses much interest. 
They are all valuable historical sketches that should, and I hope, will be pre- 
served. 

I have no knowledge or recollection of the incident Brother Lemmon relates 
concerning the#;annon " Betsy Croghan," and the controversy about its possession 
between Fremont and Sandusky. I suppose, however, that his account of it 
must be substantially correct. 

I should have been glad to have been present on the ceremonial occasion 
above referred to, but when I first read the invitation of the committee, it was 
just before the day of the meeting. I had returned from a journey east, with 
friends to visit my family, and it was not convenient for me to leave again so 
soon. 

Thanking you again for your kindness, I remain as ever, 

Your true friend, E. B. SADLEK. 




uj ii'h/ H ( . Jmi-xii . 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



The following biographical sketches of union soldiers of Sandusky 
County, who fell in battle or who have died since the war, and after 
whom Posts of the G. A. R. have been named, are from sources 
deemed trustworthy. 

GENERAL JAMES B. McPHERSON. 

The most distinguished Union officer and the highest in rank and in 
cH)mmand, who was killed in battle during the war, belonged to San- 
dusky County, and his remains are buried near the spot where he was 
born and reared. James Birdseye McPherson was born in Clyde, San- 
dusky County, Ohio, November 14th, 1828. He was killed in battle 
near Atlanta, Georgia, July 22d, 1864. At the time of his death he 
was a Brigadier-General of the Regular Army, a Major-General of 
Volunteers, and Commander of the Army of the Tennessee, which con- 
sisted of the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, and 
formed the left wing of the army of General Sherman, which was in 
alraostdaily battle for the possession of strongholds and communications 
upon which depended the life of the Confederacy. 

At the unveiling of the monument in honor of General McPherson, 
in Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio, the orator, General M. F. Force, 
said : 

" In this place, in this presence, in the sight of the home of his 
childhood, where he was born on the 14th of November, 1828, speak- 
ing to the playmates of his youth and the comrades of his career, there 
is little need of saying who James B. McPherson was. They are pres- 
ent who remember the sunny-faced boy, cheerful, generous, affectionate, 
studious, diligent in every duty. His youthful toil helped to support a 
widowed mother. Entering West Point at the age of nineteen, he 
feared his limited education would weigh him down, but in a class 



86 

-which included Schofield, Terrell, Sill, Tyler, Hood, and afterwards 
Sheridan, he quickly rose to the head, and kept his place there. The 
professors regarded him as one of the ablest men sent forth from the 
institution." 

General Sherman, on the same occasion, made an address, from 
which the following extracts are made: 

"Those whom the gods love, die young. My memory in a some- 
what eventful career of forty years, retains three conspicuous examples. 

>i; ^ ;1< ^ ;{< ^ ;lx ;{<: ^ 

My third young hero lies buried here at Clyde, Ohio, in the 
orchard where he played as a boy. He, too, died young, only 35 
years old, and was of the kind whom the gods love "exceedingly well." 
You, his neighbors, knew him as a boy, and had a glimpse of him in 
manhood, and somehow I think a man may not be a prophet or a hero 
in his own home. You knew his genial, hearty nature, his attachment 
to his family and neighbors, but you could not see the man as I have 
seen him in danger, in battle, when every muscle and every tissue was 
in full action, when the heroic qualities shone out as a star in the 
darkest night. 

I believe I knew McPherson better than any of you, and of this 
I must testify : In September, 1857, I was in New York City, a 
citizen-agent for certain bankers of St. Louis. I found my friend, 
Major John G. Barnard, United States Engineer, quartered in a house 
in Price street, not far from Broadway, and to be near him, I took rooms 
there. In that same house I found Lieutenant McPherson, of the 
engineer's corps of the army. We were usually out during the day 
time, but every night we met in Barnard's room or in mine, and 
gossiped of the topics of interest of that day. I was naturally attracted 
to him because of his intelligence and manly bearing; also because he 
was from Ohio and a graduate at the head of the class at West Point. 
There it was my first acquaintance began, and it continued without in- 
terruption until I saw him last alive at the Howard House, near 
Atlanta, Georgia, whence I sent his body to his home at Clyde for 
burial. From New York, late in 1857, he was ordered to California, 
and when the civil war broke out in 1861, he came back; and again 
wo met in St. Louis, where he was an Aidede-Carap to General Halleck, 
before the battle of Shiloh. He was with General Grant at Henry 
and Donelson, and afterwards Avas sent with me up the Tennessee 
River as a staff officer to represent first general C. F. Smith, and later. 
General Grant, in the attempt to reach the Charleston Railroad at 



Biirnsville, then to assist at Pittsburg Landing, preliminary to the great 
campaign there to begin. There must be many people here, I know 
there is one, General R. P. Buckland, who remembers how intimate 
and friendly we were before the battle of Shiloh, as well as after it. 
McPherson always stayed at my camp and never failed to visit the 
Seventy-second Ohio belonging to my division, in which regiment he 
had many old neighbors and friends from this same town of Clyde. 

McPherson was still at that time technically an Aide-de-Camp of 
General Halleck, who remained at St. Louis, but he had wisely per- 
mitted this young, enterprising and gallant engineer officer to go ahead 
(as he always wanted to go) with the advance of the leading column. 
Separat- and together we reconnoitered all the ground to the front for 
twelve miles to the right and left, and when the battle of Shiloh was in 
progress Grant relied chiefly on McPherson for the topographical 
knowledge of the battle field and its surroundings. McPherson, how- 
ever, was not content to remain in the capacity of a staff officer, but 
sought for command, to do acts and not mei'ely to advise. His natural 
place was as a leader of men, the highest sphere in military life. This 
he attained at Corinth, and thence forward as a Brigadier-General and 
Major-General at Corinth, Oxford, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and 
Atlanta, he performed deeds which are fully recorded, and place his 
name honorably and worthily in the catalogue of the great generals of 
the world. On this occasion it would not be proper for me to dilate on 
these themes, although it would be a labor of love. Events followed 
each other in such quick .succession that at this distance of time all seem 
projected into one grand result; but the years 1863 and 1864 were big 
with events, which will influence the destiny of America for centuries 
to come. Days were as months, and months as years of ordinary limit. 

McPherson, a youth, grew from a Lieutenant of Engineers to be a 
Corjos Commander, an Army Commander, promotion as rapid as ever 
marked the progress of the mighty men in the days of Napoleon, but, 
like a brilliaTit meteor, " Loved of the Gods," his young life went out 
before we had achieved the full measure of the work demanded of us 
by the times. All that was mortal of him lies buried here, within a 
few feet of where we stand, but the spirit, the genius of the man sur- 
vives, and millions will award him a full share of the fruits of the 
victory for which he gave his young life so nobly and so heroically. I, 
his companion, friend and senior, have been spared a few years, and 
could I recall him to life now, I would not. He sleeps well. A nati(m 
has adopted him as one of her heroes, and long after we are gone, and 
it may be, forgotten, young men will gather about his equestrian statue 



in Washington, and this one at Clyde, Ohio, and say to themselves, 
" Behold the type of man who rescued us from anarchy; who died, 
that freedom might become universal; that America might attain her 
true j)lace in the gallery of nations, and whose virtues, heroism and 
self-sacrifice we must imitate." The artist may model his form, the 
painter may reproduce his likeness, and the historian narrate his deeds, 
but none save his comrades in battle can feel the full force of his living 
genius and character. We must soon pass away and leave him alone 
in his glory, but before we go, we should attempt to emphasize his 
fame, and I have sought elsewhere for words fitted to the subject, but 
cannot find anything more appropriate than what I myself wrote the 
day after his death, when the sounds of battle still thundered in my 
hearing, when my heart was torn by the loss of a comrade and friend, 
one whom I loved, in whose keeping was the fate of one of our best 
armies, and whose heart's blood still stained the hand with which I 
wrote. I therefore do beg to reproduce my own report of his death, 
made after I had consigned him to the care of loving aides to be brought 
here to Clyde, Ohio, for interment. 

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 1 
IN THE field near ATLANTA, Ga., July 23, 1864. / 

General L. Thomas, Adjutant- Oeneral United States Anni/, Washington, D. C: 

General: — It is my painful duty to report that Brigadier-General James B. 
McPherson, United States Army, Major-General of Volunteers and Commander 
of the Army of the Tennessee, was killed about noon of yesterday. At tlve 
time of this fatal shot he was on horseback, placing his troops in position, near 
the city of Atlanta, and was passing a cross-road from a moving column 
towards the flank of troops that had already been established on the line. He 
had quitted me l)ut a few moments before, and was on his way to see in person 
to the execution of ray orders. About the time of this sad event the enemy had 
rallied from his entrenchments of Atlanta, and by a circuit, got to the left and 
rear of this very line and had begun an attack which resulted in a serious 
battle, so that General McPherson fell in battle, booted and spurred, as the 
gallant and heroic gentleman should wish. Not his the loss, but the country's, 
and the army will mourn his death and cherish his memory as that of one who, 
though comitaratively young, had risen by his merit and ability to the com- 
mand of one of the best armies which the nation had called into existence to 
vindicate her honor and integrity. History tells of but few who so blended the 
grace and gentleness of the friend with the dignity, courage, faith and manli- 
ness of the soldier. 

His public enemies, even the men who directed the fatal shot, never spoke 
or wrote of him without expressions of marked respect. Those whom he com- 
manded loved him even to idolatry, and I, his associate and commander, fail in 
words, adequate to express my opinion of his great worth. I feel assured that 



89 

•every patriot in America on liearing tliis sad news, will feel a sense of personal 
loss, and the country generally will realize that we have lost not only an able 
military leader, but a man who, had he survived, was qualified to heal the 
national strife which had been raised by designing and ambitious men. His 
body has been sent North in charge of Major Willard, Caf)tains Steel and Gile, 
his personal staff. I am, with respect, 

W. T. SHERMAN, 
Major- General Commanding. 

Ex-President Hayes, at the unveiling of the McPherson Monu- 
ment, at Clyde, said : 

In grateful recognition of the services and character ot Gen- 
eral McPherson, his surviving comrades of the Army of the Tenn- 
essee, and his friends and neighbors residing at and near his birth- 
place, Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio, have erected a portrait statue 
of heroic size in bronze. It is the work of Louis L. Rebisso, 
an Italian artist, who now resides in Cincinnati. It will fitly 
mark the last resting place of the earthly remains of General 
McPherson. It stands before us, within a few rods of the spot 
where he was born, and is in the midst of the scenes in which his 
infancy and boyhood were passed. The facts of his career and char- 
acter will be fully spread before you by the distinguished speakers to 
whom that duty has been assigned. His rank, his important command, 
his brilliant services, the cause for which he died, his talents, his culture, 
his grace and beauty and soldierly accomplishments, his noble and 
lovable nature, so affectionate, so gentle, and at the same time so brave 
and manly, and his heroic death in one of the great battles of a decisive 
campaign, while he was yet in the bloom and promise of early man- 
hood, taken altogether, have given to McPherson a place in the hearts 
of mankind, more tender and interesting than that which belongs to 
.any other of the thousands of honored heroes, whose death in battle 
his countrymen have been called to mourn. His name will be forever 
found on the shining roll of the world's best loved heroes. 

Neither Bayard, nor Sidney, nor Nelson, nor Wolfe, nor any 
•other knight or hero of the old world in any age had better titles to 
love and grateful remembrance than belong to him whose grave, here 
.at his birthplace, we are now about to mark. 

General Grant, in 1863, recommending General McPherson for 
promotion to Brigadier-General in the Regular Army, wrote : 

" He has been with me in every battle since the commencement of 
the Rebellion, except Belmont, at Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, 
and the siege of Corinth. As a staff officer and engineer, his services 
Avere conspicuous and highly meritorious. At the second battle of 



90 

Coriuth his skill as a soldier was displayed in successfully carrying re- 
inforcements to the besieged garrison when the enemy was between him 
and the point to be reached. In the advance, to Central Mississippi, 
General McPherson commanded one wing of the army with all the 
ability possible to show, he having the lead in the advance and the 
rear in retiring. 

In the campaign and siege terminating in the fall of Vicksburg, 
General McPherson has filled a conspicuous part. At the battle of 
Port Gibson it was under his direction that the enemy was driven late 
in the afternoon from a position they had succeeded in holding all day 
against an obstinate attack. His corps, the advance always, under his 
immediate eye, were the pioneers from Port Gibson to Haukinson's 
Feriy. From ihe north fork of Bayou Pierre to the Black Kiver, it 
was a constant skirmish, the whole skillfully managed. The enemy was 
so closely pursued as to be unable to destroy their bridges of boats after 
them. 

From Haukinson's Ferry to Jackson, the Seventeenth Army Corps 
jnarched on roads not traveled by other troops, fighting the entire 
battle of Raymond alone, and the bulk of Johnston's army was fought 
by his corps, entirely under the management of General McPherson, 
At Champion Hills, the Seventeenth Corps and General McPherson 
were conspicuous All that could be termed a battle there, was fought 
by the divisions of General McPherson's Corps and General Hovey's 
division of the Seventeenth Corps. 

In the assault of the 22d of May, on the fortification of Vicks- 
burg, and during the entire siege. General McPherson and his corps 
took unfading laurels. He is one of the ablest engineers and most 
skillful generals. I would respectfully but urgently recommend his 
promotion to the position of Brigadier-General of the Regular Army. 

The request was granted and he was confirmed as such in Decem- 
ber, 1863. 

GENERAL CHARLES GRANT EATON. 



As a soldier, physician, and citizen. Colonel Eaton is alike favor- 
ably and honorably remembered. Charles Grant Eaton was a son of 
Abel and Julia Eaton, and was born at Lowell, Massachusetts, Septem- 
ber 27, 1825. His parents moved to Oliio in 1828, and settled in 
Licking County. 

Charles worked on a farm and attended the common schools of 
that community until manhood, when he began the study of medicine 



91 

in Granville, under the tutorage of Dr. Austin. He attended lectures 
at Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he graduated in the class of 
1847. 

In 1853 Dr. Eaton began the practice of his profession in Clyde. 
His tact and skill soon found favor, and a full share of the practice of 
the eastern part of the county came under his care. His professional 
career was uninterrupted until the opening of the rebellion. He was 
appointed Captain of Company A, in the 72d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
and was with that gallant regiment throughout its honorable career, 
daring which service he was promoted Major and Lieutenant Colonel. 

He came out of the service, says the memorial of the Army of the 
Tennessee, without a blemish on his military record, and at the close of 
the war. Breveted Brigadier-General, for gallant and meritorious ser- 
vices. After the war. Dr. Eaton resumed the practice of his profession 
in Clyde. He died October 18, 1875. 



MAJOR EUGENE ALLEN RAWSON. 

The following sketch is by Dr. Thomas Stilwell, of Fremont, and 
was published in the Fremont Joxirnal soon after the death of Major 
Rawson : 

Among the noble men who have earned the gratitude of a nation, 
by giving their strength and their lives to its defence, few there are 
whose memory deserves to be more warmly cherished than he whose 
name stands at the head of this article. 

While at school at Homer, N. Y., and just about finishing his 
academic course, preparatory to entering Yale College, the President's 
first call came for volunteers, and young Rawson, not stopping to count 
the cost of the sacrifice he was about to make, joined the 12th New 
York regiment as a private. In that capacity he took a noble part in 
the battle of Bull Run, evincing great coolness and bravery. When 
the fortunes of the day went against General McDowell's army, and 
when, in the confusion that followed, regiments were thrown into dis- 
order and scattered, he, and a tried companion, sought the protection 
of a tree from behind which they loaded and fired until his friend fell 
dead by his side. 

In December, 1861, he was appointed Adjutant of the 72d O. V. I. 
by the Governor of Ohio, and was accordingly transferred to it by the 
War Department. He could have received no transfer more agreeable 
to his feelings, and none more complimentary. The 72d was chiefly 



92 

iraised in his own county and was composed, in a great measure, of 
those who had been the companions of his boyhood. Entering upon 
the duties of his new field, he at once exhibited a peculiar fitness for 
the position to which he had been called, and from his previous 
experience in the service, was of great advantage in the early training 
of the regiment. 

He left Fremont with the regiment in January, 1862, when it 
moved to Camp Chase, preparatory to setting out on its final destination 
— Paducah and the Southwest. When, joined to the Army of the 
Tennessee, the 72d disembarked at Pittsburg Landing, the men com- 
posing the command were mostly sick, suflTering terribly from the effect 
of their transit and with the disease peculiar to that Southern climate, 
to which they were unused. Major Rawson's natural buoyancy of 
spirit and cheerful, sprightly manner could not otherwise than revive 
the drooping spirits of the boys, amongst whom, in their hour of 
calamity, he went about "doing good." On Friday preceding the 
■commencement of the battle of Shiloh, Major (Vockett, with company 
H and company B, was sent forward by Colonel Buckland on a recon- 
noisance to ascertain the reason of the unusual firing heard in the direc- 
tion of the picket line. Advancing some distance and failing to dis- 
cover the cause. Major Crockett separated his little command, moving 
himself with one company to the left, while he sent company B, 
accompanied by Adjutant Rawson, to the right. Major Crockett's 
company, after proceeding but a little way, were met by a superior 
force of rebel cavalry. The Major and some of his men were captured 
while the balance barely made good their retreat. Company B, con- 
tinuing its course to the right, unconscious of the fate of their gallant 
Major and his men, were confronted, at a distance of a mile or two 
farther, by the same cavalry, which had so summarily disposed of their 
companions, now largely reinforced. Comprehending at a glance their 
situation, they discovered at once that retreat was imjwssible, and that 
the alternative remained to surrender or attempt to hold the enemy at 
bay until reinforcements should arrive. The latter course was unhesita- 
tingly adopted. Choosing an elevated piece of ground, covered 
sparsely by trees, they prepared for the attack. 

Their position placed the enemy in front, the ground being unfavor- 
able for a flank movement. Making a fallen tree their breastwork, 
these forty men — who had never before stood face to face with an 
enemy, who, for the first time were required to point a gun or pull a 
trigger — held in check, for hours, six hundred rebel cavalry, by empty- 
ing the saddles of the advance until, to their great relief, a volley in the 



93 

rear of their enerny announced the arrival of part of the 72d regiment, 
led by Colonel Buckland, who, becoming alarmed at their long absence, 
hastened to their rescue at a " double-quick," and just in time to defeat 
a charge the rebels had drawn sabre to make. 

Although Major Rawson was not in command of the detachment, 
yet, owing to the feeble health of Captain Raymond, the conduct of 
the defence devolved principally upon him. Under his direction, a 
volley of only ten guns were fired at one time, so that a sufficient 
reserve should remain to meet out, with steady aim, another and still 
another volley, if the dashing cavalry should choose to follow up their 
advance after receiving the first round. 

After the fight was over, the enemy's dead of men and horses- 
counted, and the few wounded prisoners cared for, all, both officers 
and men, were lavish of the praise they bestowed upon their young 
Adjutant. Without a musket himself, he picked up that of a wounded 
comrade and fired his round with a composure that did no discredit to 
his exploit at Bull Run. 

When the battle opened on the 6th of April, two days afterwards, 
and the rebels came like an avalanche upon our unsuspecting troops at 
Shiloh, Buckland's brigade responded to the beat of the "long-roll" 
with such alacrity that they stood in the very front of Sherman's 
division, ready to meet the coming shock before the enemy had gained 
rifle distance of their position. Colonel Buckland being in command 
of the brigade, the command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Can- 
field. Major Crockett, the only other field officer of the regiment, 
being a prisoner, by common consent Adjutant Rawson assumed his 
position for the occasion. At the first or second fire, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Canfield fell, mortally wounded, and he alone remained to command 
and cheer the undaunted boys who stood steadfast amid the storm of 
leaden hail that mowed through their ranks until Colonel Buckland, 
seeing the disaster that had befallen his own brave regiment, put him- 
self at their head and led them through the fight. The horse of our 
young Adjutant was shot from under him and another that had been 
sent forward for him being captured before it reached him, his duties 
were no less bravely or efficiently performed on foot. 

The history of the 72d Regiment; of the part it bore in the three 
days' fight at Pittsburg Landing; in the siege of Corinth; in the pur- 
suit of Forrest through Tennessee; of its marches, skirmishes and 
battles from Memphis to Vicksburg; of its pursuit of Johnson, under 
Sherman, to Jackson; of its return to Memphis, and of the part it 
enacted in the great expedition of General Sherman into Mississippi— 



94 

is the history of Major Rawson. After the 72d had re-enlisted as 
veterans, and after the main body, composing Sherman's expedition, 
had moved southward, a small force, consisting of not over sixteen hun- 
dred men, was sent out on the venturesome expedition of making a 
feint into the enemy's country, to aid reinforcements moving to the 
support of General Sherman. Of this comparatively small force, the 
72d formed a part under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Eaton 
and Major Eawson, Adjutant Rawson having been promoted to the 
rank of Major by the unanimous recommendation of the officers, and 
in accordance with the known feeling of the regiment, although he 
stood not in the regular line of promotion. 

Arriving at the Tallahatchie River in the evening, and finding the 
enemy encamped in large force on the opposite bank, they lit up their 
camp fires in such profusion as to deceive the rebels into the belief 
they were a body of some six or eight thousand strong. So well did 
they play their part that they kept the enemy beguiled and at rest 
until time enough had elapsed to permit General Smith to cross the 
river above, at the point chosen, without interference. The object of 
their expedition attained, they were ordered to return to Memphis. 
But they were in the enemy's country, out of reach of reinforcements, 
numbering less than sixteen hundred, with the rebels in strong force on 
the opposite side of the river. To render less hazardous their retreat, 
it became necessary to burn two bridges. Colonel Eaton received the 
order from the General in command to execute the task. Dividing his 
regiment, he marched before morning, with the main body to the one 
supposed to be the most strongly guarded, assigning to Major Rawson 
two small companies with which to proceed to the other, where it was 
thought but few would be found to offer resistance. The reverse proved 
to be the case. The Major it was who encountered the larger force. 
Having arrived at the bridge. Major Rawson sent his pickets across to 
reconnoiter. No sooner had they gained the opposite side, than from a 
point out of sight came dashing up a large body of rebel cavalry, who 
commenced firing on the pickets. Veterans as they were, they knew 
too much to run across the bridge, where they would be sure to receive 
the raking fire of the rebel carbines. So they jumped over the sides 
into the water. This gave them the protection of the bank, as they 
well knew the trusty rifles of their companions would make a near 
approach to the bank, a place where a rebel would hardly venture to 
"make ready, take aim, fire," even at the command of a Major-General 
himself. A brisk little fight ensued — the bridge was destroyed without 



95 

the loss of a man on Major Rawson's side, while more than one rebel 
grave marks the site where the old bridge stood — the commanding rebel 
General's own son being one of tlie slain. 

From the badly managed expedition of which the 72d formed a 
part, sent out from Memjjhis under General Sturgis, which ended so 
sadly at Guntown and Ripley, in Mississippi, Major Rawson reached 
Memphis with such of the officers and men of his regiment as were 
saved from the general disaster — marching over eiglity miles without 
food or rest, in less than forty-eight hours. The 72d acting as a rear 
guard of the fleeing troops, valiantly beat bacic the pursuing foe until, 
out of ammunition and their supply train destroyed by the rebels, they 
were forced to make good their escape by flight, which they did only 
after two hundred and fifty of the regiment had been captured. 

Scarcely rested from the terrible scene and suffering through 
which they had passed, the regiment, now over half reduced in num- 
bers, in command of Major Rawson, started again, under General A. 
•J. Smith, to encounter the same foe. Coming up to the enemy at 
Tupelo, Mississippi, Major Rawson was mortally wounded at Old Town 
Creek, six miles beyond, while gallantly leading a charge against the 
rebel lines. Borne from the field, he was conveyed back to Memphis. 

Major Rawson was the son of Dr. La Quinio and Sophia Rawson. 
He was born at Fremont on the lith of March, 1840 — married to Miss 
Jennie Snyder, an amiable and accomplished young lady of Courtland 
County, New York, on the 31st of August, 1863, while absent from 
his regiment on a short furlough. He died at Memphis, Tennessee, on 
the 22d of July, seven days after he received the fatal wound, aged 
24 years. Embalmed, his remains were sent to his home, Fremont, 
and with appropriate funeral services, were interred in Oak Wood 
Cemetery, followed thither by a very large concourse of his friends and 
fellow citizens, who loved the boy, and mourned the death of the young 
hero and patriot. 

RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF MAJOR RAWSON. 



At a meeting of the officers and soldiers of the 72d O. V. V. L, 
lield at Memphis, Tennessee, on the 28th day of July, 1864, for the 
purpose of expressing their feelings in regard to the death of Major 
Eugene A. Rawson, Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. Eaton was elected Chair- 



96 

man, and Lieutenant J. Wells Watterson, R. Q,. M., Secretary. The 
meeting was called to order, and the following members appointed a 
Committee on Resolutions: Lieutenant Alph B. Putnam, Company I; 
Lieutenant J. F. Harrington, Company A ; Sergeant Corwine Ens- 
minger. Company C ; Sergeant Abraham Eldridge, Company I ; Cor- 
poral Samuel Persing, Company A. The following resolutions were 
presented and unanimously adopted by the meeting : 

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from us our 
brother officer and soldier. Major Eugene A, Rawson, by death on the 
22d July inst. , of wounds received on the 15th inst., while bravely 
leading his regiment in a charge against the enemy's lines, at the battle 
of Old Town Creek ; and whereas, we, the officers and soldiers of the 
72d O. V. V. L, desire to express, in a suitable manner, our respect 
for the noble dead, and our deep regret for his untimely fall, 
therefore, 

Resolved, That in the death of Major Eugene A. Rawson, our 
regiment has lost a brave, heroic and devoted officer and soldier, the 
nation, one of her most ardent patriots and defenders, his family, a 
distinguished member, his friends and brothers in arms, a dear and 
valued companion. 

Resolved, That we declare our conviction, that the life of the 
deceased, while connected with the 72d Ohio, has been one of unwearied 
devotion to duty and to the service of his suffering country, and whether 
in the quiet camp or the toilsome march, or in the blaze or fury of 
battle, he alike ably, patiently and heroically performed, with untiring 
energy, all that fell to his lot ; and when struck by the fatal ball, was 
found at his post fearlessly offering his life that his country might live. 

Resolved, That we tender the family and friends of the deceased, 
and especially the young wife who has thus early been called to mourn 
the death of her husband, our deepest sympathy and condolence in 
this, their sad bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the friends 
of the deceased ; also a copy to the Fremont Journal and Sentinel, and 
the Courtland County Journal, of Homer, New York. 

C. G. EATON, 
J. WELLS WATTERSON, Chairman. 

Secretary. 



97 
CHESTER AVERILL BUCKLAND, 

Son of Stephen and Lucy Buckland, was born January 6th, 1841, at 
Edinburg, then in Portage, now in Summit County. He came with 
his parents wliile yet young to Fremont, and at an early period deter- 
mined to learn a trade and be independent. He accordingly served an 
apprenticeship at the printing business in the Fremont Journal offi.ce, 
under the instruction of Isaac M. Keeler, (the then editor and pub- 
lisher of the paper). He evinced so much manliness and intelligence 
that his parents determined to give him an education, and for that pur- 
pose, sent him to Western Reserve College, at Hudson. Here young 
Buckland made rapid progress in his studies, and developed qualities 
which promised a high and noble manhood. From the time the war of 
the Rebellion first broke out, he had a burning desire to enter the 
Union army, but could not obtain the consent of his mother. When 
his older brother, Henry W. Buckland enlisted, and became Lieutenant 
of Company B, of the Seventy-second Regiment, Chester made further 
appeals to his mother by writing to her from' Hudson, asking her to 
consent to his enlistment. The letters he wrote are so full of expres- 
sions of filial obedience, and yet so earnest, that they honor both 
parents and their child. They are given here, not specially to praise 
young Buckland, but to show the spirit of a representative young man 
of our county : 

Hudson, Nov. 10, 1861. 
Bear Parents: — I write home, at the present time, for your permission to 
enter the army. Notwithstanding my great and burning desire to go and over- 
turn the rebels, I have held back by your advice, and in accordance with your 
wishes. You do not know how many times I have regretted I was not in the 
army, and often I think I seem a coward that I have not gone. But I gave my 
promise that I should not go without your consent, and I do not wish to break 
it. A great many of my friends have gone, and to me it seems as if I should 
be with them. You tliink me unable to undergo the life of a soldier. I, as 
well as others, have sound, unblemished limbs, fine textured muscles, capable of 
great developments, and which can be taught to bear fatigue. To be sure I am 
small in stature, but it has been proved that small men make the best soldiers, 
capable of enduring more fatigue, excitement, hunger, thirst and danger, than 
large men, being sounder and more compactly built. I have calculated the 
costs, the danger, toil and privations I will have to undergo, and with your con- 
sent I will most gladly endure them all. Do not refuse me. I know it will 
cause you many an anxious hour, but you will love to boast of me, as well as 
of my brother. I would of course want to go with Henry. Besides, I should 
no longer be a burden to you, but could let you have the most of my money 



98 

which I would draw from the Government, instead of drawing from you, wliich 
you can scarcely spare. Do not think this is a sudden streak in me, fur it is 
not. It has long been forming and every day becomes stronger and more 
powerful, and many times I liave almost said I wonld go. You well know that 
long since 1 slioukl have gone, had 3'ou not restrained me, and now it requires 
but one word, and I will go. Do not withhold it. The more I see of the hard- 
ships, pain and suffering in this war, tlie more I want to go and help punish 
the causes of it. I have delayed long enough, and I feel that I cannot do so 
■very long. I think it my duty to go. There are none dependent on me, and I 
■can afford, as well as others, to leave my home, and all I love for my country's 
■welfare. Now that I have gone thus far, do not refuse me. There are many 
men who have left their wives and children to go. I have neither, and there 
are none who would suffer should I fall. Besides, I should be in far better 
health after I got used to it. I must close now, so good-bye, and soon return a 
favorable reply to your son, 

CHESTER A. BUCKLAND. 

Camp Shiloh, Wp:st Tennessee, "1 
Saturday, April 5, 1862. j 

Dear Mother: — You may glory in us now. Yesterday, while drilling, about 
a mile from here, our pickets were fired upon. In a very few moments the 
Seventy-second was on its way to battle at a double-quick step, Company B in 
the rear. When we arrived at a convenient place, we were deployed as skir- 
mishers, and were to try and surround tiie rebels. We wandered along a couple 
of miles. Henry and I were near the end of the company. The company was 
in groups of four, each twenty paces apart. An order was given to rally on 
first group, when the front commenced to fire, but ceased before we could get up. 
We wandered in a body for nearly an hour, making frequent halts. Every ear 
was listening and every eye watching for sound or sight of the enemy. Nearly 
an hour from the first fire we got sight of them again, and nearly all got a 
•chance to fire. We think one was killed or badly wounded. Here we found 
there were more than we thought, so we retreated to a pen built of rails and 
then to a big tree on the brow of a ravine. In a little time the rebel cavalry 
rode up in sight, and then the fight began. I could hear tlie balls go " whip " 
through the air and strike the trees around us. There were a hundred and fifty 
rebels against forty-four of us. Once in a while one would drop from his horse 
or a horse would fall dead or wounded. We would load, run up where we could 
see, drop on our knees, take aim and fire, and then run back to load. In this 
manner we made them believe there were a great many more of us than there 
were. In this part of the fight two of our men were wounded, Charles H. Ben- 
nett in the right leg and .James Titswood through the left breast above the 
heart. When we had fought about three fourths of an hour, it commenced to 
rain and hail, which made it difficult to load without wetting the powder. Then 
the rebels retreated. In a very little time it rained so hard we could not see 
more than a couple of rods, which was just exactly the time for them to ride on 
and cut us in pieces. We threw out guards to watch for them. I never knew it 
to rain so hard. When the rain had ceased, we saw them forming on a sort of 



99 

prairie beyond the reach of our Eiifields. In a short time they gave a great 
shout and advanced on us. As soon as they were in good reach, we commenced 
to drop them again. Tliey had been reinforced to about four or five hundred, 
beside what may have been in reserve. We fought here about a quarter of an 
hour more, during whicli three more were wounded and several had holes shot 
in their clothes, one having a thumb broke, two shots in his arm, one through 
iiis clothes, and one in his boot. Now was the desperate time. The rebels 
fired a volley, drew sabres, and began to advance. They were on three sides of 
us. Our hearts began to sink. We rallied around the old white oak, each one 
firmly grasping his gun with its powder stained bayonet, and determined to give 
as good as we got. How fierce we felt. Our last chance seemed gone, wiien a 
volley sounded in the rear of the rebels. It was the Seventy-second. How 
loud the hurrahs sounded then. It was the sweetest music I ever heard. The 
rebels turned and fled. We were saved. We fired as long as we could reach 
them and then took Titswood in care, and then we went over to where part of 
the rebels had been. We found two mortally wounded ones. Our Enfields 
make wicked holes. Tiie first was a young boy of about eighteen. He was 
afraid of us and wanted to know what we would do with iiim. We promised 
to take care of him as we would of our own men. He was assured of this, for 
one wanted to kill him, but we raked liim so the boy was encouraged. Com- 
pany A passed over the ground where our heaviest fire was aimed and found a 
great many sabres, pistols, guns, blankets, and everything they couldn't take 
away. They had a battery not far from where we were, and the cavalry 
followed them nearly into it. I have heard our men took two pieces of artillery, 
but am not certain if it be true. None on our side were killed, but Maior 
Crockett, I fear, is a prisoner. The last seen of him, he was riding like a flash 
tiirough the woods, followed by a dozen rebel horsemen. Pie had no arms with 
him and couldn't fight them. A sergeant and a corporal were taken prisoners 
from Company H. Company H had four wounded, one, the color-sergeant, old 
Dr. Gessner's son. He was taken prisoner and told to climb behind one of the 
rebels, which he would not do. The rebel drew a revolver and snapped it at 
liim, but it missed fire. He ran while the rebel was cocking it again, when the 
fellow shot and hit him in the shoulder. Our men took nine or ten prisoners 
who said they hadn't thought we could shoot so well. We must have killed 
about as many as there was of us, for every man took aim and there are some 
who don't miss often. Orrin England and Eugene Rawson were with our com- 
pany, and neither one of tliem iiad even a pistol, but as soon as Titswood was 
wounded, Orrin took his gun and cartridge box and fought well, while Eugene 
stood up with the boys and talked and laughed, and told them to keep cool and 
take good aim. It was no light matter to stand up unarmed, and a lot of 
fellows shooting at one. Wiiile we were bringing in the wounded, there was a 
heavy battle not far from where we fought. Our fight will not probably appear 
in the papers, but we had a hard struggle and against most fearful odds. Ten 
to one is a great disadvantage. Two minutes more and Company B, Seventy- 
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, would have been no more. We would have 
all been killed, for each one would have died fighting. It would have been a 
barren victory, for there would have been a dead rebel or two for every one of 



100 

us. Our bayonets were fixed and they are sorry things to run upon. We were 
willing to stop fighting. How soon we will have another fight, I don't know, 
but any minute the long roll may sound for battle. We may fight and die ; but, 
mother, your sons will never quail. It is getting too dark to write, so I must 
close. Good-bye, dear mother, and remember If I die, It is for my country. 

Your son, 

CHESTER A. BUCKLAND. 

That these appeals were successful, the above letter shows. The 
patriotic mother could no longer withhold her consent. On the 22d 
day of November, he enlisted in Company B of the Seventy -second 
Regiment, at the age of twenty years. He went with the regiment to 
Shiloh, and there, early in the day of the 6th of April, he was wounded 
in the knee by a rifle shot from the enemy. The news of his being 
wounded reached home. Lists of the wounded, who had been sent 
homeward, were published in the papers. The anxious parents watched 
eagerly the list of those sent to Ohio, but Chester's name was not 
found. It appeared subsequently, but by mistake his name was in the 
list of those sent to Indiana. 

Our people, at once, after the battle of Shiloh, sent a committee 
there and another to Cincinnati to look after the returning wounded. 
Dr. L. Q,. Rawson, while at Cincinnati, found that young Buckland 
had died of his wound on a steamboat, which was bringing him to that 
city from Cairo. Dr. Rawson immediately sent the remains home- 
ward, informing the parents by telegraph. The remains arrived in due 
time, and after solemn services, were deposited by a large collection ol 
mourning, patriotic citizens in Oakwood Cemetery, where they rest. 

Who did more for his country than Chester A. Buckland, who gave 
to it a dearer offering than did his father and mother ? 

MANVILLE MOORE. 

The subject of this notice, whose name the newly organized Post 
of the G. A. R. in this city bears, was a Sandusky County boy, born 
December 10, 1840, in the old Moore homestead, a short distance 
above Ballville. He was the third son of James and Harriet Moore, 
one of his brothers being Captain LeRoy Moore, who raised a company 
(F) for the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteers, another, Charles T. 
Moore, who, at the outbreak of the war, was too young to enlist. 

Manville's early life was spent at home amid the varied duties of 
the farm, mill and school, until his eighteenth year, when he was sent 



101 

to attend college at Oberlin. He spent a part of the following three 
years there, and was prepared to enter the third or sophomore year, 
when the firing on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, startled him from his 
books and studies, and, hastening to his home, he at once enlisted as a 
private, April 24, 1861, for three months, in the Croghan Guards 
(Captain Wm. E. Haynes), then organizing in Fremont, being then 
21 years of age. His company was afterward assigned to the Eighth 
Ohio Volunteers as Company G, but it was never ordered further than 
Camp Dennison during its three months' service. There, on the 24th 
■day of June, 1861, he re-enlisted, and was re-mustered into the United 
States service for three years, as Fourth Corporal in Company G. 

There is no call to mention here the history and deeds of the 
Eighth Ohio; they are well known by the people of Sandusky County 
and the readers of the Journal. Said Governor Brough, in his letter 
acknowledging the receipt of their regimental flags in August, 1864 : 

"The record of the Eighth Ohio is among the most brilliant of 
those made during the war. It reflects honor alike upon the men who 
have written it with their blood and their lives, and the State they 
have so well represented and defended. Upon every field they have 
fought, and every contest in which they have been engaged, the officers 
and men of the command have displayed earnest zeal, courage and 
patriotic fidelity to the country." 

From the date of his enlistment fur three months, until the time 
of his death. Corporal Moore served constantly with his company and 
regiment, participating in all its marches, and thirty-four skirmishes 
and battles. Among the battles were Winchester, March 23d, 1862; 
South Mountain, September 14th, 1862; Antietam, September 16th 
and ]7th, 1862; Fredericksburg, December 13th, 1862; Chancellors- 
ville, May 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th, 1863; and it was at Gettysburg, the 
high water mark of the rebellion, on the 3d of July, 1863, that Cor- 
poral Moore received a fatal wound. He was sent to the hospital at 
Baltimore, Maryland, where, on the 15th day of July, 1863, he sealed 
his devotion to his country and flag by his death. His body was 
brought home by his father and buried in the family lot in Oak Wood 
Cemetery, July 22d, 1863. 

His surviving comrades of the Eighth Ohio and other commands, 
appreciating the nobility of character of that large class of young 
patriots, of which ho was such a fitting representative, have, with unani- 
mous consent, adopted his as the name of their new Post of the 
G. A. R. No. 525. 



102 
COLONEL GEORGE CROGHAN 

Was born near Louisville, Kentucky, November 15, 1791. His father. 
Major William Croghan, was a native of Ireland and a gallant soldier 
of the Revolution He was a nephew of the gallant hero, General 
George Rogers Clark, the father of the western country, and alsa 
General William Clark, at one time Governor of Missouri. 

Young Croghan received the best education the Grammar schools 
of Kentucky afforded, and afterwards pursued his studies at William 
and Mary College, Virginia, where he graduated with high honors ia 
July, 1810. He soon afterwards commenced the study of law, but in 
the fall of 1811, he volunteered as a private and was soon afterward 
appointed Aid to General Harrison and distinguished himself in the 
battle of Tippecanoe. After the declaration of war with Great Britain, 
he was appointed Captain in the Seventeenth Regiment of Infantry, 
and was made Major, May 5th, 1813. He distinguished himself in 
the memorable siege of Fort Meigs; and on August 2d, 1813, success- 
fully defended Fort Stephenson, with a garrison of 160 men, against 
the attack of General Proctor, with a force of over 1,000 English 
Regulars and Indians; this, notwithstanding the fort was so weakly 
constructed and poorly provided, he had actually been ordered to 
abandon it. For this exploit he was awarded the brevet of Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and twenty-two years afterward (February 13lh, 1835) 
received a gold medal from Congress, a duplicate of which may be seen in 
Birchard Library, He was made Inspector General, December 13th, 
1825, and in that capacity served with General Taylor in Mexico in 
1846-7. He died at New Orleans, January 8th, 1849. 

From another sketch of Colonel Croghan, the following extract is- 
made : 

The defence of Fort Stephens.ju was not only the most brilliant 
achievement in the military life of Colonel Croghan, but formed one of 
the brightest epochs in the war. It filled the country with rejoicing, 
and won for its gallant leader the warmest and most enthusiastic grati- 
tude in the breasts of his countrymen. His whole force consisted of 
one hundred and sixty raw and inexperienced troops, with but a single 
piece of ordnance, and that only a six pounder. The force of the 
attack consisted of one thousand men, one-half of them British Regu- 
lars, the balance Indians, who had been promised free booty in case of 
victory, of Avhich no one enterlained a doubt. The whole was under 
the immediate command of the notorious General Proctor The 




SERGEANT, V/ILEIAM GAINES. 



103 

savages were led by the daring Tecumseh. To aid them in the assault, 
the enemy had five six pounders and a large howitzer. On the morn- 
ing of the 1st of August, General Proctor sent into the fort a sum- 
mons to surrender, accompanied with the well-understood and fiendish 
intimation, that if resistance were offered, it would be impossible to 
restrain the savages, and that no quarter would be afforded in case of 
victory accompanying the assault. Unterrified by this dastardly sum- 
mons, Major Croghan returned for answer, "That he should defend the 
fort to the last extremity." By the most consummate arrangements, he 
was able, not only to defend his post, but to carry slaughter and dis- 
may into the heart of the enemy, who suddenly retreated, covered with 
confusion, and leaving behind him one hundred slain, and a large boat 
laden with military stores. Major Croghan's loss was one killed and 
seven slightly wounded. For this brave and well-conducted defence, 
he received the thanks of Congress, and several of the Western 
States A gold medal was also ordered to be struck commemorative of 
this gallant exploit, and he was promoted to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy. 
During the remainder of the war. Colonel Croghan was actively engaged 
in the defence of his country, and on its close he retired to the peaceful 
pursuits of private life, bearing Avith him the respect and attachment of 
the army and his countrymen. 

SERGEANT WM. GAINES, 

THE LAST SURVIVOR OF THE GALLANT BAND THAT DEFENDED FORT 

STEPHENSON. 

The only surviving member of the gallant little band that defended 
Fort Stephenson, seventy-two years ago, is Sergeant William Gaines, 
now living at Wilson Station, Ellsworth County, Kansas. The Monu- 
mental Association tendered him a pressing invitation to be present at 
the unveiling of the monument, but owing to his age and infirmities he 
deemed it unwise to make the journey. About five years ago Sergeant 
Gaines was an inmate of the Barnes Hospital, at the Soldiers' Home, 
Washington, and at that time we published an interview with him, 
made for the Journal. Some facts in regard to this old veteran wall be 
of interest now. 

William Gaines was born at Frederick City, Maryland, on Christ- 
mas day, 1799. His parents were both natives of Virginia. His 
grandfiather was a relative of General Gaines, of the Army. In 



104 

1810 Gaines went with an uncle — Colonel Davis — to Lexington, 
Kentucky. The latter raised a volunteer regiment in the Indian War 
of 1811 and joined General Harrison. Gaines went with his uncle to 
take care of his horse, and in that way came to be in the battle of 
Tippecanoe. His uncle was killed in that battle. 

July 18th, 1812, William Gaines, then in his thirteenth year, 
enlisted as drummer boy in Captain Armstrong's Company of the 
Twenty-fourth Infantry. The month of June, 1812, he spent at Fort 
Meigs, and in July his company was ordered to General Harrison's 
headquarters at Fort Seneca. While there, a rumor came that the 
British would attack Fort Stephenson, and Gaines, Avho had exchanged 
his drum for a musket, was one of the number detailed to render aid if 
needed to the garrison at Fort Stephenson. The detail reached the 
fort an hour before the British came in sight and commenced landing 
from iheir gun boats. Sergeant Gaines' recollection of the battle was 
very distinct, and he accurately described it in the interview. Samuel 
Thurman, a member of Gaines' company, and one of the detail sent to 
the relief of Fort Stephenson, was the only member of Croghan's gar- 
rison that was killed. Gaines says Thurman was in the block house 
and determined to shoot a red coat. He climbed upon the top of the 
block house and peered over, when a six pound ball took off his head. 
After the battle, Gaines returned to his company and remained at Fort 
Seneca until after the news of Perry's victory. They then marched 
past Foit Stephenson to the lake, where they were furnished with boats 
and crossed over into Cnnada. They landed at Colonel Elliot's quarters, 
from there went to Fort Maiden, then to Sand Beach and on October 
5tli fought in the battle of the Thames. Gaines remained continually 
in the army and was assigned to Sacketts Harbor, New York, for 
nearly seventeen years. He was appointed Corporal, October 26th, 
1818, and promoted to Sergeant, March 3d, 1819. He took part in 
the Black Hawk war, had charge of all the property at Sacketts 
Harbor during the Florida war, and was there too during the Mexican 
war. During the war of the rebellion, he had charge of the quarter- 
masters' stores, medical and other property at Madison Barracks, New 
York. In January, 1867, he went to the Soldiers' Home, at Washing- 
ton, where he had charge of many improvements and was lodge keeper 
at one of the gates for many years. He was placed on the retired list 
of the army May 3d, 1880, with seventy-five per cent, of the full pay 
and allowance of an Ordnance Sergeant during his natural life. He 
went to Kansas a short time since, where he resides with relatives. 

At the time of this interview Sergeant Gaines was described as an 



105 

active old man, about five feet seven inches in height, of dark com- 
plexion, standing perfectly erect and of soldierly bearing, with bright 
grey eyes, white hair and strongly marked features. He enlisted in his 
thirteenth year and probably no man has served longer in the United 
States Army than he. 

War Department, Adj. Gen's Office, ) 
Washington, D. C, December 11, 1879. | 

Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
second day of August, 1879, requesting a "statement of t^ervice " of William 
Gaines. Tiie following information has been obtained from the files of this 
office, and is respectfully furnished in reply to your inquiry : 

It appears from the records of this office that William Gaines was enlisted 
on the 23d day of November, 1816, at New York City, to serve five years, and 
was assigned to Company D, Second Regiment of United States Infantry ; was 
appointed Corporal, 26th October, 1818; promoted to Sergeant 3rd March, 1819; 
discharged as Sergeant 4th June, 1821, under act to reduce the array; re-enlisted 
as Sergeant, 5th June, 1821, for two years, eleven months and twenty-one days in 
Company C, Second Infantry; discharged as Sergeant by expiration of service, 
27th May, 1824; re-enlisted 26th October, 1825, in Company H, Second Infantry ; 
promoted to Regimental Sergeant-Major, 5th September, 1826 ; discharged as 
Regimental Sergeant-Major, Second Infantry, 25th July, 1830; appointed 
Ordnance Sergeant, United States Army, 18th October, 1833; served continuously 
as Ordnance Sergeant to 31st December, 1866, when he was discharged by S. O. 
626, A. G. O., 1S66. 

The following is his service as Ordnance Sergeant: Appointed 18th Oc- 
tober, 1833, discharged 24th July, 1835, expiration of service; re-enlisted 24th 
July, 1835, discharged 24th July, 1838, expiration of service; re-enlisted 24th 
July, 1838, discharged 23d July, 1843, expiration of service; re-enlisted 23d 
July, 1843, discharged 23d July, 1848, expiration of service; re-enlisted 23d 
July, 1848, discharged 21st July, 1853, expiration of service; re-enlisted 21st 
July, 1853, discharged 21st July, 1858, expiration of service; re-enlisted 21st 
July, 1858, discharged 16th July, 1863, expiration of service; re-enlisted 16th 
July, 1833, discharged 31st Daceraber, 1866, S. O. 626, A. G. O. 

There is satisfactory evidence that William Gaines enlisted under the name 
of William Riggs, on the 11th of August, 1S12, at Knoxville, Tennessee, to 
serve for five years in Captain Francis W. Armstrong's Company, of the Twenty- 
Fourth Infantry, and that he served in said company until January, 1815, or 
thereabouts. 

He served about two years and five months in the Twenty-Fourth United 
States Infantry ; about fifteen years and six months in the Second United States 
Infantry; and about thirty-three years and two months as an Ordnance Ser- 
geant, making his total service about fifty-one years and one month. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant General. 
To Mr. Webb C. Hayes, Executive Mansion. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



FORT STEPHENSON. 



Tradition — scarcely history — tells us that perhaps three centuries- 
ago two walled towns were built near each other on the lower rapids of 
the Sandusky. All the Indians west of this point were at war with all 
the Indians east. French historians tell us these cities were inhabited 
and their neutral character respected when they first came here. This 
goes only to show that the Indians long ago recognized the importance 
of this place in time of war. 

As early as 1785, in a treaty with the Indian tribes, the United 
States reserved, among others, a tract of land " two miles square on 
each side of the lower rapids of the Sandusky River." By the treaty 
made at Fort Harmar, January 9th, 1789, by Governor St Clair and 
the Indian tribes, this reservation was again made. But it does not 
appear that any survey of the reservation was made under either treaty. 
General Wayne, in the treaty made at Greenville, August 30, 1795, 
also reserved "one piece two miles square at the lower rapids of San- 
dusky River." This reservation is now known as Fremont township. 

About the time of the treaty of 1785, two traders,^ a Scotchman 
and an Englishman, came up the river in boats and as they could not 
pass the rapids, landed and built a log house and established a trading^ 
post. This house was built on what is now Fort Stephenson Park. 
The post prospered and became a great central point for the collection 
of furs. In the year 1803, Joseph Badger, a Presbyterian missionarj', 
came to the post and built a log house on the same grounds a few feet 
east of the post house. 

It is probable that when the Indians became troublesome, some 
attempt at preparing the place for defence was made, but for the first 
authentic account of the building of the fortifications that we have 
been able to find, we are indebted to General Hayes, which we give to. 
our readers in the followino; letter : 



107 

COLONEL JOHN CAMPBELL TO ELISHA WHITTLESEY. 

Lower Sandusky, July 17, 1812. 
Dear Sir: — We arrived here on the morning of the 14th. F'rora Cleveland 
we came by water. We found the fortifications here in considerable forward- 
ness. The stockade is nearly completed; we are progressing in the work. It is 
difficult to say to whom the command of this post beloTigs. A man who bears 
the title of Major Butler, has instructions from the Governor, relating to the 
fortifying of this place somewhat similar to mine, but cannot ascertain that he 
has, or ever has had, a commission either under this State or the United States. 
Captain Norton, from Delaware, is here with about thirty men ; he continues to 
command his company and I mine, and intend so to do until the pleasure of 
the commander-in-chief is known. Harmony prevails among us, and our men 
are in good spirits. A gentleman arrived here this morning from Detroit. He 
confirms the report that General Hull has crossed into Canada, and that he is 
now fortifying Sandwich. No opposition was made to his landing. Colonel 
Munson, aid to Governor Meigs, has received a mortal Avound by an accidental 
shot from one of his party. The ball passed through his left arm and lodged in 
his body. The ball has not been extracted. To the politeness of this gentle- 
man we are indebted for the perusal of General Hull's proclamation to the in- 
habitants of Canada. He invites them to accept the friendship and protection 
of the United States, and promises security and protection to their property and 
possessions, but threatens extermination of those who unite with the merciless 
savages to mui'der our unoffending citizens. The Indians here appear per- 
fectly friendly. Some of them brought here an Indian who had stolen horses 
from General Hull's army. He is still a prisoner here. The Detroit mail has 
arrived. It informs us that Colonel Munson is dead. 

With due respect, Sir, 

JOHN CAMPBELL. 

General Harrison visited Fort Stephen?on in June, and in the 
orders left with Major Croghan, stated — " Should the British troops 
approach you in force with cannon, and you can discover them in time 
to effect a retreat, you will do so immediately, destroying all the public 
stores. 

"You must be aware that the attempt to retreat in the face of an 
Indian force, would be in vain. Against such a?* enemy your garrison' 
would be safe, however great the number." 

Immediately upon the raising of the siege of Fort Meigs, General 
Clay notified General Harri-on at Fort Seneca of the fact and of the 
probability of an attack on Forts Stephenson or Seneca. General 
Harrison called a council of war and it was unanimously decided that 
Fort Stephenson v^'as untenable against artillery and should therefore 
be abandoned Orders to this effect were sent to Croghan, by a Mr. 
Conner and two Indians, who lost their way and were thereby delayed^ 



108 

so that when Croghan received the message, he thought he could not 
with safety retreat. A council of his officers was called and they con- 
cluded they could successlully defend the place and so notified their 
general. General Harrison, on receipt of this, sent Colonel Wells to 
assume command and ordered Croghan to repair to Fort Seneca ; but, 
on his arrival at headquarters of the general, Croghan gave such satis- 
factory evidences of his ability to maintain the post, that he was imme- 
diately sent back, with instructions to resume command of the Post. 

The following account of the battle of Croghan's Victory, we take 
from ''An impartial and correct history of the war between the United 
■States of America and Great Britain." Published by John Low, Na 
17, Chatham street, New York— LSI 5. 

" On the evening of the 1st of August, the Briti-h and Indians, 
who had come up the Sandusky River, from the bay, commenced 
from the boats a heavy cannonading upon the fort, and threw in a 
great number of shells from their bomb batteries. The enemy con- 
tinued his operations without success, until the evening of the 2d, 
when, after throwing a great number of balls from a six-pounder, at 
the northwest angle of the fort, for the purpose of making a breach, a 
column, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Short, advanced to the 
point on which the artillery had been played, with intention of storm- 
ing, but the judicious management of Major Croghan foiled the 
enemy in his attempt. The ditch, which surrounded the works, was 
about eight feet wide, and of equal depth — this the enemy had to enter 
before they could approach the pickets; (through the top of each, a 
bayonet was driven in a horizontal direction). While in this situation, 
the six-pounder, which was masked in a block-house, and a ravine 
a-djacent, poured upon the storming column a tremendous shower of 
musket balls, which did terrible execution, and so confounded the 
assailants, that Lieutenant-Colonel Short, who had previously ordered 
his men to " scale the pickets, and show the damned Yankee rascals no 
quarters," exhibited a white handkerchief as a signal of distress, evinc- 
ing his disposition to have quarters given him, after he had proclaimed 
that the garrison should be massacred. It was, however, too late — the 
next discharge proved fatal — he fell — and Lieutenant Gordon, of the 
Twenty-ninth Regiment, died by his side. This was nearly two hours 
before sun set. The firing from the block-house was principally 
•directed at the enemy who had taken refuge in the direction of the 
ravine — the slaughter there was immense, and General Proctor, who 
<;ommanded in person, ordered the allied enemy to retreat to their boats. 



109 

The greater part of the night was occupied in carrying off the dead 
and \tounded— from the number of trails discovered in the grass, it is 
evident that no less than fifty of the dead were dragged away. About 
thirty killed, including the two officers mentioned above, were left m 
the ditch and ravine— and thirty prisoners, eighteen severely wounded, 
which General Proctor, in his hurry, left behind, were afterwards 
brought into the fort. It is a fact, worthy of observation, that not 
one fndian was lound among the dead, although it is known that from 
300 to 400 were present, under the celebrated Captain Elliot. The 
number of British Regulars was 490, from the Forty-ninth Regimeui. 
Major Croghan had but one man killed, and seven slightly wounded. 

The British loss, by their own confession, amounted to ninety-four, 
exclusive of Indians. There was, however, sufficient evidence to justify 
the belief that it was considerably more. 

When Colonel Elliot demanded the surrender of the fort, he stated 
that, unless his demands were promptly acceded to, a general massacre 
would ensue. 

And when Colonel Short, who commanded the British Regulars, 
destined to slorm the fort, had formed his troops in a line parallel with 
the ditch, he ordered them, in the hearing of our men, to leap the 
ditch, cut down the iiickets, and give the Americans no quarter. This 
barbiirous order, which none but a savage could give, was not, how- 
ever, permitted to go unpunished, for the words were hardly out of the 
mouth of the British commander, when the retributive justice of Provi- 
dence arrested him, and the wretch was obliged to sue for that mercy 
which he had determined not to extend to others. It may be observed 
here, in honor of the character of the American soldiers, that although 
their little band were well aware of the fate which the enemy had pre- 
pared for them, yet, they were no sooner subdued, than the Americans 
forgot the crimes of the enemy in their sufferings ; and the wounded in 
the°ditch, whose groans, and constant calls for water, were heard by 
men in the fort, were supplied with that necessary article, on the night 
succeeding the discomfiture of the enemy, by the generosity of the 
Americans; who, with considerable hazard, ventured to risk their lives 
in order to alleviate tiie sufferings of the very men who had plotted 
their entire destruction. 

The brevet rank of Lieutenant-Colonel has been conferred by the 
President of the United States on Major Cmghan. 

The ladies of Chillicothe have presented him with a sword, and a 
flattering address." 



no 

THE DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 

The occasion of the unveiling of this beautiful monument was 
intended to be on the seventy-second anniversary of the battle of Fort 
•Stephenson, but as that day falls on Sunday this year, the time was set 
for Saturday, the 1st. A brief sketch of that memorable battle may 
not be uninteresting to the Leader readers at this time. On the 29th 
of July, 1813, General Harrison sent instructions to Major Croghan to 
immediately abandon Fort Stephenson, set fire to it, and repair with 
the command to headquarters. These instructions were received by 
Croghan too late to be carried into execution, on account of the rapid 
advance of the enemy, and in his answer to Harrison he closes his short 
note, saying, "We have determined to maintain this place, and by 
heavens we can." The battle has been described by many writers, but 
the most correct description will be found in Croghan's report to Gen- 
eral Harrison, from which are made the following extracts: "The 
combined force of the enemy, amounting to at least five hundred 
regulars and seven or eight hundred Indians, under the immediate com- 
mand of General Proctor, made its appearance before this place early 
on Sunday evening last, and so soon as the General had made disposi- 
tion of his troops as would cut off my retreat, should I be disposed to 
make one, he sent Colonel Elliot, accompanied by Major Chambers, 
v.'ith a flag to demand the surrender of the fort, as he was anxious to 
spare the effusion of blood, which he should probably not have in his 
power to do should he be reduced to the necessity of taking the place 
by storm. My answer to the summons was that I was determined to 
defend the place to the last extremity, and that no force, however large, 
should induce me to surrender it. As soon as the flag was returned, a 
brisk fire was opened upon us from the gunboats in the river and from 
a howitzer on shore, which was kept up during the night. About 
4 o'clock next afternoon (second) discovering that the fire was concen- 
trated against the northwestern angle of the fort, I became confident 
that his object was to make a breach and attempt to storm the works at 
that point. Men were ordered out to strengthen that part, which was 
effectually done by means of bags of flour, sand, etc. About five 
hundred, having formed in close column, advanced to assault our works 
at the expected point, at the same time making two feints on the front 
of Captain Hunter's lines. Another column was so completely 
•enveloped in smoke as not to be discovered until it had approached 
within fifteen or twenty paces of the lines, but the men, being all at 



Ill 

their posts and I'eady to receive it, commenced so heavy and galling a 
fire as to throw the column into confusion. Being quickly rallied, it 
advanced to the center of the worics and began to leap into the ditch. 
Just at that moment a fire of grape was opened from our six pounder, 
which had previously been ranged so as to rake in that direction, which, 
together with the musketry, threw the enemy into such confusion that 
they were compelled to retire precipitately to the woods. My whole 
loss during this siege was one killed and seven slightly wounded. The 
loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and prisoners, must exceed 150." 
Croghan was afterwards presented with a gold medal by Congress, 
and a sword to each of his oflicers for gallantry at the defence of the 
fort. The force in the fort numbered 150 men, of which number only 
one survives. Sergeant William Gaines, of Wilson Station, Ellsworth 
County, Kansas. During President Hayes' administration, Mr. Gaines 
was placed on the retired list. The gun. Old Betsy, which played such 
a principal part in the defence, has been placed on the fort for many 
years, and to-day stands there as another hero of that terrible struggle. 

BATTLE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 

The scope of country laying along the river, and more particularly 
that part around the city of Fremont, fills an important place in the 
history of the Indians. Here was the principal village of the Neutral 
Nation. The grand councils of this confederacy were held here, and 
many of the noted chiefs, including Brant, Little Turtle, Red Jacket 
and King Crane, and others came from far and near and debated and 
planned the destruction of the white men of northwestern Ohio. 
Where Fremont now stands, prisoners captured by the Indians were 
compelled to run the gauntlet and suffer the barbarities that the Indian 
knows so well how to inflict. Among the most noted prisoners that 
were brought here were Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and John Heck- 
ewelder, with many others. 

Owing to the importance of the ])lace and the necessity of keeping 
open a line of communication, as well as establishing a base of supply, 
led to the building of a fort at this place called Fort Stephenson. The 
fort was oblong in shape, one hundred yards long and fifty yards wide, 
inclosed by timbers twelve feet long, set in the ground endwise, sur- 
rounded by a ditch six feet wide and nine feet deep, with the earth 
thrown up against the pickets. The fort was further protected by 
block houses placed at different angles. 



112 

The British, having left Fort Meigs, sailed into Sandusky Cay and 
up the river, while the Indians marched across the country for the pur- 
pose of making a combined attack on Fort Stephenson. 



GENERAL HARRISON, 



learning of the enemy's movement on the evening of July 29th, and 
anticipating that an attack would be made either at this place or Fort 
Ball, called a council of war. The council was of the opinion that 
Fort Stephenson was not prepared to stand an assault backed by heavy 
artillery, and it was best to withdraw the troops and destroy the fort. A 
messenger was sent with orders to Major Croghan informing him of the 
decision of the council. The messenger, however, did not reach 
Croghan until 11 o'clock the next day. Major Croghan, deeming this 
impracticable and hazardous, replied : 

"We have determined to maintain the place, and, by heavens, we 
can." General Harrison treated this reply as disobedience of orders 
and relieved him of his command. Major Croghan at once explained 
to the general's satisfaction, who returned him to his post. 

THE ENEMY APPROACH. 

The approach of the enemy was discovered on the 31st of July 
ascending the river The British, to the number of five hundred, under 
the command of General Proctor, and seven or eight hundred Indians 
under Tecumseh, were well deployed in all directions for the purpose of 
cutting off the garrison should a retreat be attempted. The British 
landed about a mile below the fort, taking ashore with them one 
howitzer. General Proctor then sent a messenger to the fort with a 
flag and a summers for an immediate surrender, as he was anxious to 
avoid the shedding of human blood. Major Croghan's representative, 
Lieutenant Ship, answered "that they would defend the fort to the 
last extremity, and under no conditions would it be surrendered." Mr. 
Dickson then spoke of the difficulty of restraining the Indians from 
massacreing the garrison in case of British success. " When ihis fort 
is taken there will be no one to massacre," was the defiant answer. 

Firing was now commenced by the gunboats and the howitzer on 
shore, but produced little effect. Major Croghan had but one piece of 



113 

artillery, but by changing its position from place to place induced the 
belief that he had several pieces. He soon discontinued firing and 
removed the cannon to the blockhouse at the northwest angle of the 
fort, at which point the enemy had been concentrating their fire, thus 
leading Croghan to believe that they would make an assault at that 
point. The gun was masked, and loaded with powder and a 
double charge of slugs and grape shot. Late in the evening of 
August 2d, the smoke of the firing had completely enveloped the 
fort, the assault was made and soon the storming column, three hundred 
and fifty strong, Avas within twenty yards of the northwest angle when a 
heavy firing of musketry was opened upon them which threw them into 
confusion. 

Colonel Short, who led the column, soon rallied his troops, leaped 
into the ditch shouting, " Come on, boys, and give the d — Yankees 
no quarter." In a few minutes it was full. The masked port hole was 
opened and Betsy Croghan, the six pound cannon, poured shot and 
shell into the mass of soldiers, creating such a panic that retreat was 
the consequence, although desperate efforts were made to rally them. 
Colonel Short was mortally wounded, and hoisting his handkerchief 
upon the point of his sword, cried for quarter. The loss of the garrison 
was one killed and seven wounded, while that of the enemy could not 
have been less than one hundred and sixty killed and wounded. 

The wounded in the ditch were in a deplorable condition, but were 
relieved as much as possible by the Americans. About 3 o'clock in the 
morning, the British and Indians commenced a disorderly retreat, and 
80 anxious were they to get away that they abandoned quite an amount 
of military stores. Croghan's entire number of men was one hun- 
dred and sixty, and a large portion of these were raw recruits. His 
artillery consisted of the six-pound cannon which did such effective 
work. It is now in possession of the city and will be placed at the base 
of the monument. 



114 
THE BRITISH ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE. 



COLONIAL CORKESPONDENCE, LOWER CANADA, 1813, Vol. 2, No. 122. 

Headquarters, Kingston, 1 
Upper Canada, 1st August, 1813. )' 

My Lord : — * * * * * * The arrival 

of Mr. Dickson from the mission with 2,000 Indian warriors, has enabled me to 
resume offensive operations witli the left division of the LTpper Canada army 
under the command of Brigadier-General Proctor. Major-General Harrison 
having shown some of his cavalry and riflemen in the Michigan territory, a 
forward movement has been made by the Indian warriors, supported by a few 
companies of the Forty-first Regiment, upon Sandusky, from whence they will 
unite with Tecumseh's band of warriors, employed in investing Fort Meigs. 
I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your LordshiiVs most obedient, humble servant, 

GEORGE PREVOST. 



} 



Headquarters, St. Davids, 
Niagara Frontier, 25th Aug. 1813. 

My Lord : — * •"■■• * ''•■ * * Major-General 

Proctor having given way to the clamor of our Indian allies to act ofTensively, 
moved forward on the 20th ultimo towards the enemy with about three hundred 
and fifty of the Forty-first Regiment, and between three and four thousand 
Indian warriors, and on the 2d instant, attempted to carry by assault the block 
houses and works at Sandusky, where the enemy had concentrated a consider- 
able force. He, however, soon experienced the timidity of the Indians when 
exposed to the fire of musketry and cannon in an open country, and how little 
dependence could be placed on their numbers. Previous to the assault, they 
could scarcely muster as many hundreds as they had before thousands, and as 
soon as it had commenced, they withdrew themselves out of the reach of the 
enemy's fire. They are never a disposable force. The handful of His Majesty's 
troops employed on this occasion, displayed the greatest bravery, nearly the 
whole of them having reached the fort and made every effort to enter it, but a 
galling and destructive fire being kept up by the enemy within the block houses 
and from behind the picketing, which completely protected them, and which we 
had not the means to force, the Major-General thought it most prudent not to 
continue longer so unavailing a combat, and accordingly drew off the assailants 
and returned to Sandwich, with the loss of twenty-five killed, as many missing, 
and about forty wounded. Amongst the former are Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel 
Short, and Lieutenant J. G. Gordon, of the Forty-first Regiment. 
I have the honor to be, My Lord, 

Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, 

GEORGE PREVOST. 



115 
OTHER CELEBRATIONS. 



1839 AND 1852. 

Among the notable celebrations of the })attle of Fort Stephenson 
are those of 1839 and 1852. The former was the first formal recogni- 
tion made of the anniversary of the battle in Lower Sandusky (now 
Fremont.) It was a grand occasion for the little village. Twenty-one 
of the most prominent citizens, of whom Dr. L. Q. Rawsou, General 
R. P. Buckland and Homer Everett are the only ones known to be now 
living, had the celebration in charge. A mammoth ox was admirably 
roasted whole, after the best Kentucky style, and was supported by sev- 
eral smaller animals, cooked in a similar manner. Dinner was served 
under an arbor within a few rods of the fort, and in the afternoon Hon. 
Eleutheros Cooke, of Sandusky, delivered an eloquent and appropriate 
oration. Among the many letters of regret received on that occasion 
was one from Colonel George Croghan, and this letter was read by 
General Hayes during the exercises last Saturday. The letter was as 
follows : 

St. Louis, Mo., 26th .July, 1839. 

Gentlemen : — I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 8th inst., 
inviting me, on the part of the citizens of Lower Sandusky, to be present with 
them on the coming anniversary of the battle of Fort Stephenson. 

It is with regret that I am, on account of official duties, unable to 
comply with your flattering invitation. In communicating this, my reply, I 
cannot forbear to acknowledge with deep gratitude, the honor you confer. To 
have been witli those gallant men who served with me on the occasion alluded 
to, permitted by a kind Providence to perform a public duty which has been 
deemed worthy of special notice by my fellow citizens, is a source of high grati- 
fication, brightened, too, by the reflection that the scene of conflict is now, by 
the enterprise and industry of your people, the home of a thriving and intelli- 
gent community. 

I beg to offer to you, gentlemen, and through you to the citizens of Lower 
Sandusky, my warmest tlianks for the remembrance you have so flatteringly 
expressed. 

With every feeling of respect and gratitude, 

, I am yours, 

G. CROGHAN. 
Dr. Frank WUlianis, and others, Committee. 

The Committee of Arrangements for the celebration in 1852 was 
composed of: C. O. Tillotson, Wm. E. Haynes, James Mitchell, 



116 

M. N, Zeigler, E. F. Dickinson, L. Caul, B. J. Bartlett, J. L. Greene, 
O. L. Nims, S. Buckland, H. Everett and Joseph Stuber. Fully 
6,000 people were present. A salute of thirty-one guns, fired from old 
" Betsy Croghan, " opened the exercises. In the procession were : 

Engine Fire Company, No. 1, with W. H. Gibson, foreman, and 
W. W. Armstrong, one of the men who pulled the hand engine and 
hose cart. 

Tiffin Hook and Ladder Company, Captain J. H Ford. 

Washington Guards, of Tiffin, Captain Lang, accompanied by a 
fine brass band. 

Fort Ball Artillery and band. Captain Truman H. Bagby. 

Fremont Artillery, Captain Isaac Swank, with the cannon "Betsy 
Croghan." 

Following citizens and strangers making a brilliant and imposing 
array. 

Homer Everett and W. H. Gibson made eloquent addresses. 
Dinner was served to the guests at Vandercook's Hotel. Judge Bell 
was president of the day. 

HISTORICAL POETRY. 



Captain John M. Lemmon, in his address on Saturday last, referred 
to Thomas L. Hawkins, a pioneer settler of Sandusky County and a 
local poet of considerable notoriety, who gave to the gun used by 
Major Croghan in the defence of Fort Stephenson its name of Betsey 
Croghan. Mr. Hawkins was a voluminous writer and ground out 
prose or verse on the slightest provocation. We have a volume of his 
book in which were published many of his poetical effusions, from an 
advertisement which the author pasted on an improved wash board sold 
by himself to an Exposition of the Wiles of the Devil. Pertinent to 
the occasion, we print his salutation to the old six-pounder, which he 
explains in a foot note, was written on the 2d of August, 1852, while 
celebrating the anniversary of Croghan's victory. 



THE AUTHOR'S SALUTATION, 

ON THE RETURN OF THE OLD SIX-POUNDER, THAT DEFEATED THE 
BRITISH FORCES, BY MAJOR CROGHAN, AT FORT STEPHENSON. 

Hail ! thou old friend, of Fort McGee ! 
Little did I expect again to see, 
And hear tliy voice of victory. 
Thou defender of Ohio ! 

I wonder who it was that sought thee, 
To victory's ground again hath brought thee, 
From stranger's hands at length hath caught thee ; 
He is a friend to great Ohio ! 

He is surely worthy of applause, 
To undertake so good a cause, 
Altho' a pleader of her laws,* 
And statutes of Ohio. 

What shame thy block house is not standing. 
Thy pickets, as at first, commanding, 
Protecting Sandusky's noble landing, 
The frontier of Ohio ! 

Thy pickets, alas ! are all unreared, 
No faithful sentinel on guard, 
Nor band of soldiers well prepared. 
Defending great Ohio. 

Where have the upthrown ditches gone, 
By British cannon rudely torn ? 
Alas ! witli grass they are o'ergrown. 
Neglected by Ohio. 

O tell me where thy chieftains all — 
Croghan, Dudley, Miller, Ball !— 
Some of whom, I know, did fall 
In defending of Ohio. 

Canst thou not tell how Proctor swore. 
When up your matted turf he tore. 
Which shielded us from guns a score. 
He poured upon Ohio ? 



118 

And how Tecnmseh lay behind you ; 
With vain attempts he tried to blind you, 
And, unprepared, he'd find you, 
And lead you from Ohio ? 



Perhaps, like Hamlet's ghost, you've come, 
This day, to celebrate the fame 
Of Croghan's honored, worthy name. 
The hero of Ohio ? 



I greet thee ! Thou art just in time 
To tell of victory most sublime, 
Tho' told in unconnected rhyme ; 
Thou art welcome in Ohio. 

But since thou canst thyself speak well, 
Now let thy thundering voice tell 
What bloody carnage then befell 
The foes of great Ohio. 

(And then she thundered loud.) 
-Brice J. Bartlett. 



Among the pioneers of Sandusky County who were present at the 
unveiling ot the Monument were four who took a prominent part in 
1839 in the first celebration of the anniversary of Croghan's victory, 
viz : Gen. R. P. Bucklancl, Dr. La. Q Rawsoii and Hon. Homer 
Everett, of Fremont, and Hon. Clark AVaggoner, of Toledo. The 
first two are the only surviving members of the Committee of Arrange- 
ments for the celebration in 1839. The Committee consisted of Dr. 
La. Q. Rawson, Hon. Rodolphus Dickinson, Dr. Daniel Brainard, Gen. 
Samuel Treat, Gen. John Patterson, Samuel Thompson, Gen. John 
Bell, David Gallagher, R. P. Buckland, James Justice, N. B. Eddy, 
J. R. Pease, Dr. R. S. Rice, Thos. L. Hawkins, Jeremiah Everett, Dr. 
Franklin Williams, Jesse S. Olmstead, Isaac Knapp, Andrew More- 
house, James Valette, Wm. Fields, all of whom are dead except Gen. 
Buckland and Dr. Rawson. Hon. Homer Everett, President of the 
Sandusky County Pioneer Association, was born in what is now the 
adjacent County of Erie in 1813, and has resided in Sandusky County 



119 

since 1815. He has attended every celebration of the victory of Fort 
Stephenson, and was present at the unveiling ot the Monument. 

In 1839, at the time of the first celebration of the victory, Hon. 
Clark Waggoner, then aged 19, and editor of the Lower Sandusky 
Whig, was Secretary of the Citizens' Meeting, and was largely influen- 
tial in promoting the Celebration. The following is one of his editorials 
on the subject: 

' ' We take the responsibility, as a self-nominated committee of one, 
to extend to our editorial brethren of Northwestern Ohio, a cordial 
invitation to a participation in the festivities of the 2nd of August. 
Come on. Gentlemen, you shall be "well stayed with" so far as our 
exertions can go. You, of the Huron Reflector, Huron Advertiser, 
Sandusky Clarion, Tiffin Gazette, Ohio Whig, Maumee Express and 
Manhattan Advertizer, be with us, and we will insure you the greatest 
specimen of "barbecuing" this side of old Kentuck." 

July 27, 1839. 

NOTES. 



We noticed the following newspaper men taking in the sights : D. 
R. Locke, Toledo Blade ; W. W. Armstrong, Cleveland Plain Dealer ; 
Gen. J. M. Comly, Toledo Commercial lelegram; I. F. Mack, San- 
dusky Register ; De Wolfe, Findlay Repuhlican; A. J. Bebout, Toledo 
Democrat ; E. B. Schafer, Norwalk Adler ; Fred Fox and C. A. 
Palmer, Toledo Post ; Joe K. Ohl, Toledo Bee ; E. C. Bailey, Medina 
Gazette; J. K Kraemer, Oak Harbor Exponent, and Geo. Gosline, 
Oak Harbor Press. 

Many shot-riddled flags were carried in the procession. 

The splendid picture of Grant issued in last week's Journal was 
conspicuous among many of the decorations. 

A number of invited guests who were present and whose names 
are mentioned on the first page were accompanied by their wives or 
daughters. 

The survivors of the Ladies' Aid Society of Clyde, filled a wagon 
which attracted much attention. What this society accomplished for 
the soldiers of the Union is mentioned by Mr. Lemmon in his address. 



THE UNVEILING. 

INCIDENTS OF THE DAY. 

'Twas hot. 

But it got cooler. 

Grant was not forgotten. 

It was a very peaceable day. 

The procession was two miles long. 

Every-one pronounces it a success. 

It is past, but pleasant memories remain. 

Stable room in the city was at a premium. 

Fostoria's Cornet Band attracted attention. 

The high school building was handsomely decorated. 

Lunch stands were plentiful and did a thriving business. 

The fire laddies in uniform carrying police clubs looked nobby. 

The moDument was unveiled at precisely half past twelve o'clock. 

Music and song enlivened the occasion and was gratefully appre- 
preciated. 

Col. Lemmon'saddress, although lengthy, is worthy of preservation. 

Rev'd Thos. L. Hawkins was the reputed God-father of "Betsy 
Croghan." 

The highest flag in the city was fastened on the spire of the St. 
Joseph's church. 

Fountains on the streets allayed the suffering of the thirsty, over- 
heated populace. 

The homes of our citizens were open to visiting friends, and kind 
hospitality reigned. 

The arch over Croghan street bad a picture of Ft. Stephenson as 
it was 72 years ago. 

"Old Betsy" was here in 1813 and in 1885 also, but this time there 
were no British or Indians, 



121 

Capt. Hopkins' choice was to wake up the boys early in the morn- 
ing, and he succeeded well. 

"The public schools honor Croghan's memory," was a motto on the 
High School building. 

"Large bodies move slow," hence it took a long while for the pro- 
cession to form and get started. Trains on the L. E. & W. were late. 

St. Joseph's church was decorated with streamers and flags, and 
presented a handsome appearance. 

Fremont had the attention of a great many dignitaries of the 
land. Those who weren't here sent their regrets. 

Fremont was never before so handsomely decorated, and many 
were the pleasant remarks made by strangers on this account. 

Toledo, Oak Harbor, Elmore, Clyde, Tiffin, Norwalk, in fact 
nearly every town within a circuit of thirty miles was well i-epresented. 

Clyde sent an excellent band of music, the Knights of Pythias, 
and a huge delegation of citizens. Clyde knows how to do things 
handsomely. 

Fremont ladies did much to make the occasion a pleasant one and 
for their many handsome home decorations have the thank.s of every 
one. 

J. L. Pease has an excellent voice for baritone, and knows how to 
use it to the best effect We hope to hear more of Mr. Pease in the 
near future. 

The liberality of the Committee of Arrangements is highly com- 
mendable. No expense or labor was spared by them to make the occa- 
sion a grand success/ 

The fire-works last Saturday night were of a superior kind, and 
fired, as they were, from the top of the stand-pipe, could be seen from all 
parts of the city. 

Hon. Jas. R. Francisco, a Mexican veteran, carried a time-worn' 
battle flag w-hich did service at Monterey and Palo Alto. It was a 
curious and honorable relic. 

Col. Haynes had, among his guests last Saturday, Senator Payne, 
Hon. AV. D. Hill, Maj. W. W. Armstrong, Judge Haynes, Col. 
Dudley Baldwin, Gen. T. W. Sanderson, Hon. R. G. Pennington, 
and Capt. D. L. Cockley. 



122 

The rain cut short the pmcetdings in Court House park, but the 
doors of tlie Presl)yterian church were opened and the people — as many 
as could gain entrance — repaired there. 

St. Anns' various Catholic societies added much to the appearance 
of the ))roce?sion. Father Bauer's personal attention to his people in 
the procession elicited much favorable comment. 

A grand procession it was, composed of police, bands of music, 
military, city and county officials, secret, temperance and benevolent 
societies, old Mexican veterans with a Mexican battle flag, veterans of 
the war of the Rebellion, firemen, citizens on foot and in carriages. 

Our soldier is always on guard. 

The decorations were never excelled in Northern Ohio. Some of 
the American flags displayed were 40x20 feet. 

Hopkins' Battery from T(jledo did its duty well. 

The stock of provisions did not fail. There was enough to eat and 
drink for all, and an abundance left. The restaurants did a thriving 
business. 

Toledo was largely represented. 

Forty barrels of ice water stood where the people could drink to 
their comfort and satisfaction. 

Eugene Rawson Post, Manville Moore Post, G. A. R., the M. E. 
and St. Paul's Episcopal Churches, served dinner from 12 o'clock noon 
until <S o'clock in the evening. 

Perfect good order })revailed all day. 

The Cojnmitiee of Arrangements were equal to the occasion. 

The short speeches from the distinguished visitors were crisp and 
pat as at an experience meeting. 

When General Hayes read the letter from General Grant acknowl- 
edging the invitation to be present at the unveiling of the monument, 
and declining from inability, a man in the crowd cried "three cheers for 
General Grant." A silence, oppressive, followed. Gen. Hayes said : "If 
Gen. Grant was living to-day, the proposed three cheers would have found 
an instantaneous res])onse from all. As it is the present grief and sor- 
row in the hearts of the American people will naturally silence any 
cheering echo relating to tlie dead hero." 



128 

The triple arcli jutoss Croglian street was grand, and was beauti- 
iiilly decorated. 

Everybody kept open house and no stranger was allowed to go 
uninvited to hospitalities of our citizens. 

The crowd was called all the way from 10,000 to 25,000. 

The weight of the monument entire is about one hundred tons. 

W. W. Armstrong said he and Gen. W. H. Gib.son used to run 
with the fire engine. 

It was the truth all the same, but a slip of the tongue, when W. 
W. Armstrong referred to "Governor Foraker." The cheers which fol- 
lowed showed the sentiment of his audience. 

Several pocketbooks were found on the streets. Not one had any 
cash in it. 

The monument is a beauty. 

Fire Chief Reiff had a splendid platoon of police to lead the pro- 
cession. 

The Sixteenth regiment and their excellent band added greatly to 
the success of the procession. 

The Knights of Pythias and Miller's band of Clyde had many 
encomiums. 

John L. Greene, Grand Marshal, handled the procession with skill 
and precision. 

E, M. Hunt, of Danbury, Ottawa County, a gunner in the U. S. 
Navy, and also a member of Co. B, 3d Artillery, in the Mexican war, 
was among the visitors. 

The people of Sandusky County may congratulate themselves 
upon the happy realization of their eHbrts to secure a fitting tribute to 
their brave soldiers, not only of the late war but also of the Mexican 
■war, and of the war of 1812. May it long stand a constant remin- 
der to future generations of the many privations endured, noble 
sacrifices made and victories won by those who thought only of their 
country in her hour of peril. 



